Emotional intelligence (Emotional Quotient, EQ) — FAQ

This is a common misconception. While emotionally intelligent leaders are often personable, EQ is a much broader concept. It includes difficult skills like self-regulation (controlling negative impulses), giving constructive feedback (a social skill), and having the internal motivation to pursue goals with persistence. It's about emotional effectiveness and maturity, not just agreeableness.

While a high IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is valuable for technical skills and strategic thinking, long-term leadership success is often limited without a developed EQ. A leader with low EQ may struggle with team motivation, conflict resolution, and building loyalty, leading to high staff turnover and a poor organisational culture. A common saying is: 'IQ gets you hired, but EQ gets you promoted'.

No, this is incorrect. Unlike IQ, which is considered relatively stable throughout life, Goleman and other researchers argue that emotional intelligence can be learned and developed. Through conscious effort, training, self-reflection, and feedback, individuals can significantly improve their self-awareness, empathy, and social skills, thereby enhancing their leadership potential.