(#7) Impact of "IQ" and "EQ" in life's success

Emotional Intelligence is a candid topic across different contexts, from childhood education to workplace performance and mental health.

There are different points of view of defenders and skeptics of the concept. Is it as important or even more critical than IQ when determining life's "success"?

For the last century, cognitive development has been the primary goal of education. However, more factors have been added to the game, as it is the concept of Emotional Intelligence popularized in 1990 by Daniel Goleman.

There are different perspectives on this topic those who defend it and others that point out its "dark side." Here are some nuances of EI.

IQ, EQ AND PERSONALITY

In the intersection of EQ (Emotional Quotient), IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and personality is our unique selves, and each one relates to different aspects of human cognition and behavior.

Let's start with what is EQ (Emotional Quotient) or "Emotional Intelligence." It refers to the ability to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as their ability to recognize and respond to the emotions of others. EQ involves skills such as empathy, social awareness, and communication.  

On the other side, there is an IQ (Intelligence Quotient), and which is a measure of a person's cognitive abilities, including their ability to reason, solve problems, and understand complex ideas. Cognitive Intelligence (IQ) is relatively stable over a lifetime, and it is measured through standardized tests assessing a person's math, language, and spatial reasoning performance.

The last piece of the puzzle is personality. It's the stable "style" that defines each of us. Personality traits, such as your inclination to introversion or extroversion, appear early in life. Like IQ, personality can't be used to predict emotional Intelligence. Also, like IQ, personality is relatively stable over a lifetime. You can use your personality to assist in creating your EQ, but the latter isn't dependent on the former.

It is important to note that IQ and EQ are not mutually exclusive. Additionally, while IQ is mainly determined by genetics as well as personality, EQ can be developed and improved over time through practice and self-reflection. 

EQ and IQ: Is there one more important in determining life's success?

NOTES ON EDUCATION, WORKPLACES, AND LIFE SATISFACTION

ON EDUCATION

1. Schools- The impact of EQ on education is significant and wide-ranging. Emotional Intelligence and motivation are closely related. This is a crucial factor of a successful learning process, which does not depend on external rewards or grades. It can help with social dynamics like bullying since it helps develop empathy through awareness of others' feelings/perspectives. EQ has also been

2. Families- Mental health concerns (anxiety and depression) top the list of parental worries, replacing other old-standing parental concerns. In fact, Pew Research Center released a massive study called "Parenting in America Today" of 3,757 parents in the USA. EQ is linked to better mental health outcomes, such as lower levels of anxiety and depression. By promoting emotional self-awareness and regulation, EQ can help kids manage their emotions and build healthy coping mechanisms as the capacity to recognize and name emotions.

ON WORKPLACES

A re-known advocate of EQ, Dr. Bradberry, in his book called "Emotional Intelligence 2.0," points out the link between emotional Intelligence and workplace performance. EQ has been recognized as a fundamental characteristic of great leaders. Also, it is even associated with higher salaries- an average of "$29,000 more per year than people with low EQs. EQ is so critical to success that it accounts for 58% of performance in all types of jobs".

This link between "EQ" and job performance is supported by a comprehensive meta-analysis spanning nearly 200 jobs. Emotional Intelligence tests predict performance even after controlling for IQ and personality.

On the flip side, others argue that the advantage of higher "EQ" is just relevant in "jobs that involve dealing with emotions but less important or even detrimental for those that don't."

IN LIFE

What makes a good life? 

That was the question of the longest-running study in human happiness. It's a Harvard study that has been performed for more than 80 years.

It's most important finding is that the quality of our relationships is the most significant predictor of our overall well-being and happiness throughout our lives. The study found that individuals with strong, supportive relationships with family and friends were likelier to be happy and healthy later in life. The study revealed that close relationships, more than money or fame, keep people happy throughout their lives.

A better understanding of how emotions shape your thoughts and actions allows a deeper understanding of who we are, enabling us to communicate better with others and build stronger relationships and fostering traits as empathy and altruism. These emotional skills play out throughout our lives, in moments big and small. Emotional adaptations is a big part of what makes a good life – or stands in the way.

On the flip side, some point out new evidence suggesting that when people hone their emotional skills, they become better at manipulating others. "When you know what others are feeling, you can tug at their heartstrings and motivate them to act against their best interests," psychologist Adam Grant points out.

"IQ" and "EQ" ARE NOT COMPETING TERMS

Growing IQ is helping us in many ways, and it's essential to human progress.

However, IQ, which has been the primary goal of education, hasn't solved other of the world's most pressing problems: poverty, environmental destruction, and war. On a personal level, people today are more stressed, lonely, and therefore less able to solve problems.

EI can have nuances, various approaches, and even a potential "dark side". We should advocate for critical views of it, such as finding better ways to measure it and improve the ways it is taught in a way that's explicitly connected with to promote that these skills go along with desirable moral qualities." as Professor Kilduff points out.

Yet this does not mean it es not necessary. Extensive research on the topic has shown its actual impact and has been associated with great positive outcomes.

The discussion about a more comprehensive model of learning that considers all of the dimensions of human beings (bio-psycho-social) is imperative. Human beings are a complex web of dimensions that can not be understood separately, and EQ is an essential part of this equation.

Thanks for reading, 

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