EQ: The Best Indicator of Success

Everyone knows that measuring IQ is a method of giving standardized tests to assess human intelligence. The scale ranges from 0 to 200 with certain levels in between meant to tell us where we are compared to our peers. I recently took the test and scored a 150, supposedly putting me at the genius category but I wondered what does that actually mean? Does scoring high benefit me in any way going forward? Of course it will help but I found that the true indicator of success may be found in a similar test much less common.

The test in which I speak of is the EQ assessment, reflecting a person’s ability to empathize with others: identify, evaluate, control and express emotions ones own emotions; perceive, and assess others’ emotions; use emotions to facilitate thinking, understand emotional meanings. The EQ test gives you hypothetical situations and asks how you would you’d respond. Once you make your choice it judges the relevance and accuracy of your choice and generates a score. Unlike my high IQ score, my EQ score was around average at 80 out of 200. So how would I improve my EQ and thus potential for success?

Before I get to how to improve your EQ and better manage your own emotions, I think it would be a good idea to become more familiar with the subject. In Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life, EI is said to be measured by “emotion-related ability such as ‘stress tolerance,’ and basic personality traits such as ‘optimism.’(Ciarrochi 2006)” The common theme of the measurement is that it is not quantifiable but strictly identifiable by an individual. Instead of using performance based assessments, self-reported answers to particular circumstances are more effective. With this may come error because EQ can only measure one’s own perceived ability, and not one’s actual ability to tolerate stress.

So how does one improve their EQ and thus chance for success? Based on five simple steps found in Olivia Burgner’s publication “EQ: The New IQ,” one can strengthen their emotional intelligence with relative ease.

Step 1: Self-Awareness

She recommends that you “take 15 minutes out of your day…to start checking in on yourself and how you are doing. When you start to recognize your feelings you are able to be in control of them. When you are in control you can recognize your strengths and weaknesses (Burgner 2017).” When you come to the realization of how to control, monitor, and recognize emotions in yourself, you can begin to do the same for others. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses on top of self-control will quickly become an asset and help you master various soft skills.

Step 2: Be Empathetic

Her next step illustrates that we need to be considerate of everyone around us. You never truly know what is going on in somebody else’s life therefore you should tread carefully during every interaction. Being appropriate, friendly, and pleasant in conversation will open countless doors of opportunity.

Step 3: Be Uplifting

Encourage, support, listen, and be genuine to all those you encounter throughout your day. “If someone seems down, try to pick them up maybe by complimenting them or just asking if they need to talk. People always appreciate a person they can talk to (Burgner 2017).” One of the essential components of EI is picking up on how others feel and using it to create positive outcomes and environments.

Step 4: Be Open

This step includes expressing yourself and how you feel as well as listening to what others have to say. The key is listening. Most people anticipate responses instead of focusing on what the other person has to say. Don’t suppress your own emotions either, feel free to display what you’re feeling or thinking.

Step 5: Take A Moment

During any given situation, try breathing before reacting. This will aid in self-control and teach you a lot about EI, surely improving your EQ. Taking a second to think logically before speaking will defuse tense or stressful situations and avoid unnecessary strain on personal and working relationships.

Ciarrochi, J. Forgas J.P., & Mayer, J.D. (2006). Emotional intelligence in everyday life. New York, NY: Psychology Press.

Burgner, O. (2017, September 25). EQ: the new IQ. 5 steps to strengthen your IQ. Retrieved from Medium.com