Emotional Intelligence — what is EQ and why it matters more than IQ?

EQ vs IQ — which matters more?

For decades, intelligence (IQ) was considered the main determinant of professional success. However, Daniel Goleman's breakthrough research in the 1990s and later meta-analyses showed that emotional intelligence (EQ — Emotional Quotient) is equally important or more so — particularly in management roles and professions that involve working with people.

A TalentSmart study of over one million people found that 90% of top performers have high EQ, and that employees with high EQ earn on average $29,000 more per year than those with low EQ.

The Four Components of Emotional Intelligence

The most widely used model, developed by Peter Salovey and John Mayer, identifies four areas:

1. Perceiving Emotions

The ability to accurately recognise emotions — your own and other people's — from facial expressions, tone of voice and body language. This is the foundation of all emotional intelligence.

How to develop it: Practise mindfulness. Observe your emotional reactions for a moment before you act.

2. Using Emotions

The skill of directing emotions so that they support thinking and action. Mild anxiety can improve focus. Enthusiasm can boost creativity.

How to develop it: Match the task to your mood: do analytical work when you are calm and focused, and brainstorm when you are full of energy.

3. Understanding Emotions

Knowing how emotions evolve, what triggers them and how one leads to another. For example: frustration → anger → regret.

How to develop it: Read fiction. Talk to other people about their emotions. Keep an emotion journal.

4. Managing Emotions

The ability to regulate your own emotions and influence the emotions of others — not by suppressing them, but with intention. This is the most difficult and the most valuable component.

How to develop it: Cognitive behavioural therapy, breathing techniques, cognitive reframing.

EQ and neurobiology

Brain imaging studies show that high EQ is associated with greater volume of the prefrontal cortex (responsible for regulating emotions) and stronger connections between the limbic system (emotions) and the prefrontal cortex. That is good news: the brain is plastic, and EQ can be developed throughout life.

EQ in the workplace

High EQ translates into:

• Better leadership: leaders with high EQ build engaged, loyal teams
• Better communication: understanding the other person's perspective reduces conflict
• Better resilience: the ability to manage stress helps prevent burnout
• Better sales: empathy builds customer trust

Can EQ be measured?

Yes, although it is harder than measuring IQ. Our tool is based on IPIP items (International Personality Item Pool) and measures four dimensions: empathy, emotion recognition, emotion management and emotional expression. The results can be compared with population norms.