IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, refers to a person’s ability to reason and think critically. On the other hand, EQ, or Emotional Quotient, is the ability to understand, use, and manage emotions effectively. But which of these is more important for success, and why?
Let’s explore this through some examples:
Example 1:
Anil and Naresh, a team of two, are managing a challenging client for a crucial project. The client is never satisfied and constantly complains about the work being presented. Naresh, who is highly efficient, prepared an impressive presentation and arranged another meeting with the hope of fulfilling the client’s demands. He presented all the necessary details and resources, but despite his efforts, the client remained unsatisfied, requesting further changes. At this point, Naresh began to lose his temper, but Anil intervened, handling the situation calmly and professionally.
In this scenario, while Naresh has the problem-solving abilities derived from his knowledge (IQ), Anil demonstrates his capacity to manage emotions, foster productivity, and maintain healthy relationships through effective communication (EQ).
Example 2:
A boss reprimands two team members, Amit and Jay. Both feel upset, but Amit manages to adapt to the situation more easily than Jay. Upon reaching home, Jay remains angry and starts shouting at his children when they make noise, creating a tense and unpleasant atmosphere. Amit, in contrast, tells himself, “Why should I bring this frustration home? It’s not my child’s fault,” which allows him to relax and maintain a positive, calm environment at home.
From these examples, it’s natural to wonder: which is more important—IQ or EQ?
Research Insights:
Numerous studies have investigated the comparison between Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ), with many concluding that EQ plays a crucial role in success.
One study conducted by Srivastava M. et al. (2022) systematically reviewed the literature to determine whether emotional or intellectual intelligence was more vital for professional success. The findings revealed that while a high IQ may help someone achieve initial professional success, individuals often struggle to advance without the ability to manage their emotions effectively in the workplace. The study concluded that success cannot be guaranteed by IQ alone; the emotional aspect of an individual is just as important, making EQ a key predictor of success.
Another study, conducted by Monash University in Australia (Reimer, J.M., 2001), focused on IQ versus EQ among graduate engineers. The research aimed to determine whether graduates needed only IQ or a combination of other skills for success in the workplace. The study found that engineers develop strong IQ during university education but struggle to build interpersonal relationships and seize promotion opportunities without EQ. It concluded that an individual’s behaviour, attitude, and motivation are heavily influenced by their EQ.
Conclusion:
While a high IQ allows us to demonstrate our skills and knowledge in our professional lives, a high EQ helps us better understand both ourselves and others. In recent years, EQ has become an essential skill for both professional and personal success. While IQ may help us secure a job, without self-awareness and social intelligence, we may find ourselves struggling to progress and lagging behind.
