As a society, we have evolved in some ways leaps and bounds while in other ways we remain constant. Of course, this plays less of a role in certain situations but it got me thinking that
our belief that a high IQ equals intelligence that equals success remains embedded in our society.
IQ testing is not a new idea; it started back in the 1700s where it aimed to identify characteristics that defined intellectually inclined individuals. Since then there are stacks of studies stating that factors such as socio-economic status, occupation of parents and even maternal health all play a role in how individuals score on IQ tests. I am not hear to challenge those ideas but to suggest that as a society we have developed many processes in place with the emphasis on intellect; acceptance to schools, hiring at a job or even promotions. And with good reason: people with average IQs outperform those with the highest IQs. I mean that is the end of the story. OR IS IT?
I mean what if i shared with you that studies show I that only 60 percent of the time does IQ strength prove to be a factor of a person's success. In fact, those same studies have shown that those with high IQ are found 90% of the time to be the toughest people to work with on teams.
Decades of research has been studying emotional intelligence as the new success indicator. E
motional intelligence has been found to be
the critical factor that sets star performers apart from the rest of the pack. The connection is so strong: 90 percent of top performers have high emotional intelligence.
This anomaly threw a massive wrench into the broadly held assumption that IQ was the sole source of success.
Emotional intelligence is the "something" in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions to achieve positive results.
Despite the significance of emotional intelligence, its intangible nature makes it very difficult to know how much you have and what you can do to improve if you're lacking. D
ata from million-plus people has identified behaviors that are the hallmarks of those with higher emotional intelligence and are the behaviors that you may want to introduce into your every day living.
1. Practice overcoming stressed easily.
Emotional intelligence skills help make stress more manageable by enabling you to spot and tackle tough situations before things escalate.
2. Assert yourself easily.
Practice good manners, empathy and kindness with the ability to assert yourself and establish boundaries. This tactful combination is ideal for handling conflict.
3. Understand your emotional state.
All people experience emotions, but it is a select few who can accurately identify them as they occur. The better insight you have into exactly how you are feeling, what caused it and what you should do about it the easier you can identify how to solve the issue you face.
4. Be open to the opinion of others.
Communicate developed ideas in the most effective way possible, taking into account the needs and opinions of your audience.
5. Don't hold grudges
Holding on to a grudge means you're holding on to stress, and emotionally intelligent people know to avoid this at all costs. Letting go of a grudge not only makes you feel better now but can also improve your health.
6. Don't let go of mistakes.
Emotionally intelligent people distance themselves from their mistakes, but they do so without forgetting them. This creates the tendency to get right back up every time you fall down.
7. Work to be understood.
Even with practice, emotionally intelligent people know that they don't communicate every idea perfectly. They catch on when people don't understand what they are saying, adjust their approach and re-communicate their idea in a way that can be understood.
8. Don't get angry.
Emotional intelligence is not about being nice; it's about managing your emotions to achieve the best possible outcomes. Sometimes this means showing people that you're upset, sad or frustrated. Constantly masking your emotions with happiness and positivity isn't genuine or productive. Emotionally intelligent people employ negative and positive emotions intentionally in the appropriate situations.
Unlike your IQ, your emotional intelligence is highly malleable. You can train your brain by repeatedly practicing new emotionally intelligent behaviors. This builds pathways needed to make the behaviors into habits. Before long, you begin responding to your surroundings with emotional intelligence without even having to think about it.
If you would like to explore your emotional intelligence and hear how spirit can further your wisdom on this topic, or other topics, please join us for an evening with spirit.
