{"id":8029,"date":"2017-09-11T15:14:38","date_gmt":"2017-09-11T22:14:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lifeandhealth.wordifysites.com\/?p=7665"},"modified":"2021-09-29T13:07:56","modified_gmt":"2021-09-29T20:07:56","slug":"how-to-improve-your-e-q","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifeandhealth.org\/lifestyle\/how-to-improve-your-e-q\/158029.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Improve Your E.Q."},"content":{"rendered":"

by Neil Nedley, M.D.<\/p>\n

\n

There is a popular website ad featuring two teenagers from the 70s flanked by the caption, \u201cShe married him<\/em>? And they have seven kids?\u201d The ad highlights a truism that many people have found at their class reunions: people\u2019s lives don\u2019t\u2019 always turn out as expected. In terms of intelligence, individuals with high I.Q.\u2019s are usually considered, \u201cmost likely to succeed\u201d \u2013 but they don\u2019t always excel. At the same time, others who have mediocre academic performances often go on to become outstanding achievers in the professional world. Why is that?<\/p>\n

While I.Q. may contribute as much as 20 percent to the factors that determine life success, the remaining 80 percent is determined by other forces. In other words, the overwhelming majority of our ultimate success in life is not determined by I.Q., but by other factors. A study of Harvard graduates in the fields of law, medicine, teaching, and business backs this up: the student\u2019s entrance-exam scores (which would be indicative of I.Q.) had no correlation whatsoever with eventual career success.<\/p>\n

The reason behind this surprising fact is simple: success in life is based much more on E.Q. (emotional intelligence quotient) than I.Q. (intelligence quotient). Out-of-control emotions can make even the most intelligent individuals behave in a manner that is simply not very smart.<\/p>\n

In recent years, the impact of emotional intelligence on future success has been a hot topic in psychiatric circles, and the concept is supported by an ever-growing body of scientific research.<\/p>\n

The Characteristics of High E.Q.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So what exactly is E.Q.? It is a measure of characteristics that research has confirmed are critical to a successful, enjoyable life. People with high E.Q.\u2019s have control of their impulses and emotions. They are trustworthy, honest, conscientious, dependable, and responsible. They are flexible and able to adapt to change. They are open to constructive criticism, innovation, novel ideas, new approaches, and information. They are aware of the limits of their abilities and have reasonable expectations.<\/p>\n

Their emotional intelligence has been shown to help them think more clearly, communicate more effectively, reduce polarizing statements, and develop unity in group settings. These skills are particularly critical in today\u2019s knowledge-orientated workplace, where harmonious team efforts are more critical than ever for organizational success.<\/p>\n

Intelligence is Maturity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What we are really talking about is emotional maturity\u2014an openness and willingness to develop, grow, and be mature in how we handle others and ourselves. In personal relationships, a person with a high E.Q. has the ability to step aside from their emotional reaction to an upsetting event and look logically at what is really happening. Their honesty allows them to understand other points of view, as well as potential solutions to the problem.<\/p>\n

While your first job out of college will likely be directly related to your I.Q., how far you advance in that job is much more related to your E.Q. Often people with a high I.Q. don\u2019t understand this. They think the reason they\u2019ve been passed over for a promotion is that the rest of the world doesn\u2019t have enough intelligence to recognize their I.Q. They often feel slighted, or that life is unfair. The truth is, employers do recognize intelligence in promotion decisions. The intelligence being recognized, however, is E.Q.<\/p>\n

In the workplace, individuals with a high E.Q. can understand their emotions and feelings and can express, control, and manage them. They usually have insight into the feelings and views of others, and they more easily understand the dynamics of a group and their role within it. They are willing to delay gratification in favor of the greater good. They are also more likely to motivate themselves to achieve goals and to maintain a positive much realistic attitude. As a result, they often earn promotions more quickly than those with a higher I.Q. Essentially, people with a high E.Q. see the \u201cbig picture,\u201d so they are able to avoid emotional roller coasters.<\/p>\n

The E.Q. Equation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are five basic components of emotional intelligence:<\/p>\n