Emotional intelligence: why do people with lower IQs hire people with higher IQs?

People like Albert Einstein, Thomas Newton and Leonardo da Vinci are well known for their high intelligence and incredible success in their fields. What's more, they are considered geniuses. But did you know that Einstein performed terribly in school and almost dropped out? By the time he was hired as a patent clerk, he was able to analyze the mathematical equations included in patents and discover his talents. The rest is history. It just goes to show that success and intelligence go hand in hand, but not when we're talking about cultural awareness.

Challenging the IQ paradigm: 

The concept of IQ originated in the early 20th century, when psychologist Alfred Binet developed the first intelligence test to identify children who needed additional educational support. Since then, IQ tests have evolved to measure an individual's cognitive abilities, including logical reasoning, problem solving, memory and language skills.

Sometimes IQ is incorrectly considered to be absolute intelligence, which can lead, for example, to a number of wrong employment decisions. Worse, some people equate IQ with a person's total worth. What the IQ test fails to assess are non-cognitive abilities, such as emotional intelligence. Contrary to popular belief, emotional intelligence, not IQ, can be a deciding factor between superstar performers and everyone else.

"Many people who are book smart, but lack emotional intelligence, end up reading for people who have a lower IQ than they do, but who excel in emotional intelligence skills."

The importance of emotional intelligence

The forerunners of emotional intelligence are well-known scientists such as Abraham Maslow, who introduced the idea of emotional resilience, and Howard Gardner, who developed the concept of multiple intelligences. Despite their work, it was Daniel Goleman who developed the concept of multiple intelligence through his book entitled (of course) Emotional Intelligence.

While a high IQ may provide a solid foundation for intellectual pursuits, it does not guarantee success in life or at work. "Many people who are book smart but lack emotional intelligence end up working for people who have a lower IQ than they do, but who excel in emotional intelligence skills," Goleman wrote.

Numerous studies have shown the significant impact of emotional intelligence in various fields, including the workplace. Goleman himself cites one study of software engineers who were evaluated by their peers on their success. This assessment was correlated with IQ and EQ indicators on the one hand. Unfortunately, IQ did not correlate at all with their perceived success. However, EQ was strongly correlated. The reason is the "background effect". In order to get a job to work as an engineer, you need to have an IQ of at least 115 (average intelligence is between 70 - 115) to at least be able to perform the tasks. So there is room for emotional intelligence. What do we mean by this? Perseverance, the ability to self-manage, the ability to have a positive outlook, the ability to harmonise with other people, etc.

In general, it means that people with high emotional intelligence tend to show better leadership skills, have better interpersonal relationships, communicate effectively and manage conflict constructively. They also show greater resilience, adaptability and empathy, leading to greater job satisfaction and overall success.

Trait or skill? Developing emotional intelligence

Given the myriad benefits that emotional intelligence offers us, the question of nature vs. nurture begs to be asked. Is EQ an innate trait or rather a skill we can develop? Because of the limitations of research and the potential biases embedded in the research environment (corporate politics, employees not wanting to offend their managers, lack of self-awareness, etc.). There is no straightforward answer to this question. If EQ is a skill, we can exercise it like a muscle. If, however, EQ is a part of our personality, then change would require changing our perception of self.

That said, we encourage you to practice EQ by following Goleman's five pillars of emotional intelligence.

1. Self-Awareness: Pay attention to your emotions, thoughts and reactions. Reflect on how they influence your behaviour and decision-making.
2. Self-regulation: Practice managing your emotions in difficult situations. Cultivate techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness and finding constructive ways out of stressful situations.
3. Empathy: Seek to understand the emotions and perspectives of others. Actively listen and validate their feelings to build stronger connections.
4. Relationship management: Develop effective communication skills, practice active listening and encourage positive relationships based on trust and respect.
5. Lifelong learning: Engage in activities that promote personal growth, such as reading books on emotional intelligence, participating in workshops, or soliciting feedback from others.

Finally, to close the loop on Goleman's concept, you must have self-efficacy. The ability to believe in yourself and that you are capable of change. We wish you success and perseverance in your journey on the path of emotional intelligence.



Sources:

- "Emotional intelligence in the workplace" - Big Think

- "Hochbegabt? Sagt der IQ-Wert wirklich etwas über die Intelligenz aus?" - Die Welt