Emotional Intelligence

I am sure most of us are familiar with the television show “The Big Bang Theory” and how it portrays the scientists in it as huge nerds.  They all have some similar quirks however the character Sheldon while being incredibly intelligent has some serious issues when interacting with others.  This is a wonderful example of intelligence (IQ) versus emotional intelligence (EQ).  It has long been known that people with high IQ outperform those with average IQ about 20% of the time.  It was astounding that the number wasn’t greater.  The reason those with average IQ can outperform someone with a higher IQ is that they have greater EQ.

It may surprise you to learn that when we leave school we can usually read, write, perform arithmetic, retrieve knowledge on a variety of subjects however we probably have not learned how to recognize and control our emotions.  It is this lack of perception that can lead to a lack of success regardless of how intelligent you are.  However, this is a skill set that can be learned and enhanced.  Can you imagine how much more valuable you will be in any career if you can manage yourself appropriately in all situations?

You can read the book “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves and also take the “Emotional Intelligence Appraisal” using a code at the back of the book.  Once you take the appraisal you will receive an email providing a link to get your results. 

Emotional Intelligence can be broken into four parts: Personal Competence (Self-Awareness vs. Self-Management) and Social Competence (Social Awareness vs. Relationship Management).  After taking the “Emotional Intelligence Appraisal” you are given scores for each of these areas which fall into separate categories (A strength to capitalize on; A strength to build on; With a little improvement, this could be a strength; Something you should work on; A concern you must address).  The report will then suggest three strategies to increase your EQ and point at key sections in the book to review.  It will also include clips from movies were a character has displayed poor EQ and how they realized that they were wrong.

While as individuals in STEM we may laugh watching TV or movie scientists, we need to be cognizant that non STEM people are also watching and that may lead to how we are perceived.  While we may have the necessary skills to be successful in completely different career pathways, that perception may inhibit you from being selected for a job.  It is therefore vital that when interacting with others you can demonstrate that you are not similar to Sheldon et al.  The more you are able to do so increases your opportunities to be successful across a myriad of career sectors. 

Even if you don’t want to change job or career the last chapter “Relationship Management Strategies” is certainly worth a look.  Who doesn’t want to improve at least some of the relationships you have, either with a loved one, colleague or acquaintance?  This section may provide you with the necessary advice to really change not only how you interact with others but it may lead to altering how you are perceived.  I can certainly see how implementing the advice could lead to much better relationships and thus potentially your happiness and success, although for some making the change may be incredibly challenging.

I would certainly recommend that at some point you consider investigating your EQ, intelligence alone may not make you the success you want.