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IQ vs. EQ in Business
December 8, 2023
We typically turn to intelligent people in business to lead the way. Commonly, leaders possess a higher IQ than the average person. But is a high IQ enough to lead a business unit successfully?
When we think about most successful leaders, they are, of course, intelligent, but they are also charismatic and inspirational, making employees feel safe and motivated. These traits are known as emotional quotient, another component of a successful leader.
We dive into the meaning of IQ vs. EQ, how they play a significant role in the business world, and how we can assist business leaders in identifying the best talent for their teams.
Intelligent Quotient – IQ
How smart are we? How do we rank amongst our peers? We might naturally think about our IQ when we think of these questions. But what is IQ measuring? The ultimate purpose is to measure raw intelligence as well as one’s motivation. However, environmental factors such as education, home environment, nutrition, and the like can skew the results of an IQ test, making the results somewhat unreliable.
Despite the disparities, people with a higher IQ are typically good problem solvers, adaptable, and open-minded, amongst other traits. And although a high IQ doesn’t equate to success in life, it can be a significant factor.
Emotional Quotient – EQ
Emotional quotient, or emotional intelligence or EQ, is a newer phrase used in the business world. Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to manage one’s own emotions as well as others. Self-awareness, empathy, and emotional awareness fall under the umbrella of EQ.
These emotional skills are paramount to becoming a successful leader. Leaders with a high EQ are typically more approachable, communicate clearly, and can inspire and drive change throughout the organization. And although EQ cannot be measured through testing, it is easily perceived through everyday actions.
The Crossroads
High IQs were once the golden standard for choosing business leaders despite their personality traits. This practice of selecting leaders based on their IQ alone is archaic and lost to the times.
As the business landscape has progressed, so has the demands of employees. People want an intelligent leader, no doubt, but they also want leaders who are empathic and thoughtful in their decision-making. Leaders with a high level of EQ are more transparent with communication and can naturally create a positive environment around them.
Well-rounded leaders will possess both a higher-than-average IQ and EQ. Leaders who can innovate and drive results while understanding their staff’s emotional needs are leaders who will motivate and drive change.
The Scales: IQ vs. EQ
When it boils down to the desires of employers, employees, and the consumer, which is more important, EQ or IQ? These days, EQ might very well take precedence over IQ. Recent studies indicate that people focus more on their mental and physical well-being and spend more time at home and with loved ones, which leans into emotional intelligence.
A leader with a higher EQ may empathize with these desires and work to implement best practices to reflect the employee’s demands. Leaders with a high EQ are more likely to forge stronger internal and external relationships and understand client’s needs, making them more productive than their counterparts with lower EQ.
Of course, that’s not to axe IQ altogether. When hiring, businesses should seek knowledgeable individuals, but it’s equally important, if not more important, to ensure that they can contribute to the organization’s culture and inclusivity.
How We can Help
At Innova Solutions, we offer a rigorous and thorough recruitment process of digging into skill-based, situational, and behavioral questions so that we can understand the dynamic of each candidate we interview. Our methods allow us insight into how knowledgeable our candidates are and how they would impact an organization’s culture.
