Research shows convincingly that EQ is more important than IQ in almost every role and many times more important in leadership roles.
–Dr. Stephen R. Covey

Dear Leaders,

Some people say leaders are born, others say leaders are made. Regardless of your position on this, leaders possessing certain behaviors and skill-sets obtain greater results and are more likely to have satisfied, higher producing, and more collaborative team members.

As leaders we need to be aware of our behaviors and actions, understand how they impact others, and manage the expectations in order to obtain the results we desire. We don’t just need to be intelligent and knowledgeable in our life, we also need to be emotionally smart.

Psychologist Steven Stein and psychiatrist Howard Book state that strong leaders have both a high IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and a developed EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient). Intelligence will only go so far; leaders must also be aware of how they present themselves and respond to others.

Our IQ is considered to be non-dynamic and is an indicator of how we perform intellectual tasks. Our Emotional Intelligence in the workplace, on the other hand, can increase through self-development and consists of 4 areas: Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

Self Awareness is critical when engaging in communication

Self Management is key for managing emotions in difficult situations

Social Awareness leverages awareness of others to perform at your peak

Relationship Management manages relationships to increase job performance and integrates EQ professionally and personally

Emotional Intelligence in the workplace is the genuine ability to feel emotions, understand what you’re feeling and why, understand how others are feeling, and respond appropriately. Having a high EQ builds relationships and fosters communication even in the most difficult of times.

Some consider EQ to be the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence. By developing our EQ, we position ourselves to more successfully cope with organizational demands and pressures.

Do you know your EQ?