The rise of Emotional Intelligence: Why EQ takes precedence over IQ in today’s world
Article Written by Manish Behl – India’s Leading Mindfulness Expert
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements and automation are at their extreme, one might assume that a high IQ is of utmost importance. However, when we think about our favorite individuals, bosses, or successful leaders, it becomes clear that something sets them apart. They seem to connect better, handle stressful situations, conflicts, and complex matters with ease, and achieve greater success.
This is where emotional intelligence (EQ) takes precedence
When there is harmony between the mind, heart, and resolution, then nothing is impossible. – Rig Veda.
Why EQ takes precedence?
While IQ measures problem-solving and logical thinking, EQ focuses on understanding and managing emotions, making it vital for success.
Research shows that individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to outperform their peers, leading to a shift towards emphasizing
During the Mindfulness India Summit, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Daniel Goleman, renowned for his book
“Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.”
He emphasized the role of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in personal and professional success. Thanks to pioneering researchers, we now grasp the importance of emotional intelligence. EI is a powerful skill for recognizing and managing emotions within ourselves and in our interactions with others, shaping our lives both internally and externally.
What EQ is made of?
EI is a powerful skill that helps us in recognizing and managing emotional data in two ways. Inside World (Intrapersonal) and Outside World (Intrapersonal).
There are four key characteristics that define these two stages.
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.
- Self-management: Maintaining composure in challenging situations, staying focused on goals, and effectively managing stress.
- Social awareness: Empathizing with others, and understanding their emotions, needs, and desires.
- Relationship management: Nurturing positive connections, resolving conflicts, and working collaboratively.
Why Should You Care About EQ in Today’s World?
As technology and automation reshape industries, EQ becomes increasingly crucial. Individuals with higher EQ excel in complex human interactions, team management, and adaptability.
Here are a few ways EQ empowers individuals: Emotional intelligence is the currency of success in today’s world. Where the ability to understand, manage, and connect with emotions is paramount in navigating the complexities of human interactions and thriving in an ever changing landscape
• Adaptability in a changing world: High EQ enables individuals to effectively manage emotions, navigate uncertainties, and adapt to new situations.
• Employability: Organizations seek individuals who can remain calm under pressure, resolve conflicts peacefully, and maintain positive relationships with colleagues.
• Effective Leadership: Leaders with high EQ inspire trust, loyalty, and commitment, fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Self-management: People with high EQ use their emotions to motivate themselves and others, handle stress and challenges, and make smart decisions.
• Success in the workplace: High EQ individuals exhibit resilience, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills, leading to greater career success and advancement opportunities.
• Better communication and collaboration: EQ enhances active listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and clear and assertive expression, fostering collaboration and effective communication.
• More creativity: Understanding and managing emotions allows for exploring different perspectives, innovative thinking, and creative potential.
• Effective leadership and teamwork: High EQ individuals excel in leading teams, managing conflicts, and communicating effectively, promoting productivity and job satisfaction.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving: High EQ individuals make rational decisions under pressure, approaching complex situations calmly, and employing methodical problem-solving techniques.
How Can You Boost Your EQ?
Unlike IQ, which is largely influenced by genetics and childhood, the beauty of EQ is that it can be improved through learning and practice. Here are some effective strategies to enhance EQ:
• Seeking feedback: Soliciting honest opinions from others provides insight into strengths, weaknesses, and how emotions affect others. Tools and tests can also be used to measure EQ levels.
• Active listening: Engaging in attentive listening promotes understanding of others and fosters effective communication.
• Practicing mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity, enhancing self-awareness of feelings, thoughts, and sensations while reducing stress and anxiety.
• Expressing gratitude: Cultivating gratitude fosters positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and satisfaction. It also improves relationships by increasing appreciation for others.
• Developing empathy: Empathy enables connection with others, understanding their perspectives, and meeting their needs.
• Learning from others: Observing individuals with high EQ in various situations and seeking advice and support from mentors or role models.
• Keeping an open mindset: Embracing a mindset
• Maintaining an Open Mindset: Embrace a mindset that values continuous learning, personal growth, and adaptability.
• Prioritizing Self-Care and Stress Management: Dedicate time to self-care activities and employ stress management techniques to enhance your emotional well-being. Success of any technology lies not only in its capabilities but also in its ability to empathize with and respond to human emotions.
In today’s AI world, emotional intelligence is a vital skill that can significantly impact personal and professional success. By understanding and improving our emotional intelligence, we can thrive in the workplace, foster positive relationships, and lead effectively. It is a key to unlocking our happiness and well-being.
So, embrace the power of emotional intelligence, strike a balance between IQ and EQ, and embark on a journey to achieve your dreams.
Excerpts from article published in Times of India written by Manish Behl
About the Writer:
Manish Behl: World Renowned Mindfulness Master & Leadership Guru
Manish Behl, a globally acclaimed mindfulness and emotional intelligence expert, makes this your reality. Ranked among the world’s top 10 mindfulness teachers, he empowers leaders and individuals to unlock their full potential.
He is an expert in transforming stress into focus, anxiety into calm, and negativity into purpose. He is the visionary founder of Mindfulness India Summit, Asia’s largest mindfulness and emotional intelligence summit, and founded theMindful Science Centre – a hub for research, development, and training in mindfulness and leadership
Mindfulness based Training for Workplace
Become A Certified Mindfulness Trainer
Join 12 Week Mindfulness Foundation Trainer Program – Read More
Mindful Science Centre is mindfulness and emotional intelligence based training and learning centre providing leadership and performance solutions for corporates and organizations. Mindful Science Centre applies practices based on self-awareness and social emotional intelligence that cultivate leadership qualities such as attention, resilience, focus, empathy, compassion, communication and clarity.
Well-designed Mindfulness training programs and one-on-one coaching sessions support individuals and organisations to develop a positive outlook, decision-making, agility, creativity, concentration, sustainability, mental and physical well-being through mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence practices. Contact Mindful Science Centre to learn more about how to become Successful leader Web: www.mindfulsciencecentre.com. Mail: [email protected]
