Alfred Binet developed the Intelligence Quotient test or IQ in 1905. It has been used for decades and is the standard that determines an individual’s intelligence and a predicting factor of their future success. In recent years, there has been some uncertainty about the test’s ability to measure everything that encompasses human intelligence.

Someone with a high IQ is perceived as geniuses on many levels. They are quick to learn new skills and know everything in their field of expertise. But when you put these geniuses in the harsh reality of an office setting, they could become easily frustrated and struggle with communication. These can exist simultaneously because there is another kind of intelligence we have not considered yet.

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What is EQ?

EQ stands for Emotional Quotient, a unique type of intelligence that can hinder or boost someone’s ability to succeed in a workplace setting. Those with high EQ can identify their emotions and control them. They understand that their feelings can influence people around them; at the same time, they can recognize the opinions and emotions of others. They have innate motivation, empathy, adaptability, excellent people skills, keen self-awareness, and the ability to self-manage.

Emotional intelligence is an essential skill set that many employers look for in their employees. Sure there are individual tasks performed, but projects exist to serve other people. Collaborating efficiently to accomplish this task is something that comes easy for someone with a high emotional quotient.

High EQ Individuals Make Great Employees

There are several ways in which an emotionally intelligent individual can influence a company’s success.

1. Emotional Control

An emotionally intelligent individual can acknowledge their emotions and control their reactions. No pressure and stress from their surroundings can affect their response.

2. Collaboration

Emotionally intelligent people are good at reading verbal and nonverbal cues. They are in tune with others’ emotions and opinions, making them natural leaders who can make others feel heard and understood.

3. Recovery

If an individual can self-regulate their emotions and responses, they can pick themselves back up after criticism and failure. Setbacks are viewed as opportunities for growth.

4. Empathetic

Careful listening and understanding demonstrate genuine empathy. Those with high EQ can reserve their judgment and seek to understand before responding.

5. Resolution

There are difficult decisions to make and sensitive issues to address. People with a high emotional quotient can self-regulate and evaluate situations objectively to defuse and solve complex problems.

Learning Emotional Intelligence

Some are born with the gift of easily controlling their emotions and recognizing them in others. But others don’t have these innate abilities. Here are some things you can do if you are one of them.

1. Don’t be impulsive

Think before speaking because your first reaction may not be the best for the situation.

2. Know what you can control

Understand the situation before passing judgment. You cannot always control everything but your response to it.

3. Be willing to be wrong

Have room to grow. Learn from people’s criticism and comments to change yourself for the better.

4. Focus on others

People focus internally on emotionally charged conversations. Focus outward to learn more and understand why the situation happened.

5. Express your feelings

Communicate your emotions honestly, no matter how difficult it might be to build respect and trust.

A candidate’s competencies and skills are critical to evaluate their suitability for the position. But it is also crucial to assess their emotional quotient as it can influence their ability to excel in the role.

5 Reasons why high EQ individuals are great employees