Emotional quotient, also known as emotional intelligence, measures someone's self-awareness, social awareness, and emotional awareness (Atre, n.d.).
The basics of Emotional Intelligence can be broken down into four main pillars.
Self-awareness, which involves recognizing and understanding one's own emotions.
Self-regulation: the ability to manage and control those emotions effectively.
Empathy: can be thought of as the bridge to others, involves understanding and sharing their feelings.
Social skills: are essential for meaningful and smooth interactions and relationships.
Together, these four pillars form a good foundation for navigating emotions and relationships.
(Wellable, 2024)
The measurement of Emotional Quotient involves assessing various psychometric properties.
To do this, several popular tests are used, such as the EQ-i test, which is also known as "The Emotional Quotient Inventory."
The EQ-i test asks questions such as rating faces on the amount of emotion one sees and assessing emotional definition.
Questions are often divided into the different sections of Emotional Intelligence such as Self-awareness, Empathy, Self-regulation and Social skills.
(Davis & Wigelsworth, 2018)
Self-awareness:
"1. I am aware of my emotions as they arise. "
"2. I am aware of how my emotions impact my behavior and decision-making. "
Managing emotions / Self-regulation:
"6. I am able to stay focused and think clearly even when experiencing powerful emotions. "
"7. I am able to manage stress in healthy ways."
(Ellison, 2024)
Empathy:
"16. I am able to establish a sense of trust with others. "
"17. I am able to express empathy in a way that feels genuine to others. "
Social Skills:
"21. I am able to adapt to different social situations and contexts. "
"22. I am able to work effectively in a team. "
Emotional Intelligence/ EQ can be developed.
Research suggest high EQ has a impact on success.
EQ plays a crucial role in building and maintaining healthy relationships.
(Segal et al., n.d.)
Empathy - The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Self-awareness - Conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
Social awareness - Knowledge or perception of society and those around them.
Self regulation - The fact of something such as an organization regulating itself without intervention from external bodies.
Emotion - A natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.
(Oxford Languages, n.d.)
This video gives a basic understanding on what Emotional Intelligence is.
Chart showing the difference between low emotional intelligence and high emotional intelligence.
Connect with emotions
Embrace mindfulness
Cultivate social awareness
Practice active listening
Reflect on interactions
(Segal et al., n.d.)
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has often been a good predictor of various. outcomes, most notably success and prosperity in professional settings.
EQ’s ability to predict job satisfaction highlights its significant ability to describe both extrinsic and intrinsic success factors.
Moreover, research consistently underscores EQ’s superiority over more traditional measurements, such as IQ, when predicting workplace achievement.
Individuals with high EQ are not only more likely to cultivate positive work environments but also demonstrate good communication and resilience.
(Urquijo et al., 2019; Safer, 2023)
Study shows that Emotional Quotient/ Emotional Intelligence is linked to career success
Urquijo and his colleagues (2019) investigated the impact of emotional intelligence on career success, distinguishing between extrinsic outcomes such as salary and intrinsic satisfaction. They surveyed 271 graduates in various stages of their careers. The study found emotional intelligence uniquely predicted job satisfaction. These results show how emotional intelligence can be a leading factor in career success, highlighting its importance during early and later career stages.