Handling crisis, getting along with friends or becoming a great singer have nothing to do with your IQ. Whichever path you choose, Emotional Intelligence or Quotient (EQ) will be essential for your success, says Virender Kapoor
What is Emotional Intelligence?
During the last century, we progressed because of inventions and discoveries like electricity, penicillin, IC engines and many others. They were based on science and maths. Logical reasoning and science got maximum weightage those days. And so the idea of IQ originated which tested our competence on logical reasoning.
Gradually, human behaviour started getting weightage. Handling people and interpersonal skills became crucial. This is equally important while you are in school. For example, if someone is a topper and is rude and conceited, most of their classmates would not like to befriend him. Human competence can be looked at under three domains. First, IQ which is related to logic. Second, domain which represents fine arts, sports, music etc. Third is the EI domain which supports both the earlier ones. For eg, even if you have a high IQ, you will not be able to crack the IIT entrance test unless you are conscientious and have a desire to achieve.
Emotional Intelligence is learnable
We can improve upon our EI skills at any age by understanding and accepting our strengths, weaknesses. Having done that, one can start making small changes in habits and improve upon self management. Similarly, we can learn social awareness by becoming sensitive to our family and friends and then try to interact with them effectively. Remember; ‘It is difficult to change 100 per cent in one area but it is easy to change 1 per cent in hundred areas.’
Learning with NIE
IQ Versus EQ
Logical reasoning and IQ are a matter of the head whereas emotional intelligence is from the heart. For example, passion for singing is from the heart, not the head. Similarly, patriotism, charity, patience, compassion, are all from your heart, not the head. Do you want people to be understanding and good to you? Then others would also like to see these qualities in you too. Both IQ and EQ are equally important in the right balance.
EI and The Role It Plays
God may have given you talent to dance or sing, but if you do not listen to your coach, practice regularly, have patience, you will not win a competition. Again EI plays a major role here. Emotional Intelligence has four components. These are:
Self awareness: Ability to recognise own emotions, accurate self assessment and self confidence.
Self management: Initiative, self control, enthusiasm, patience and adaptability.
Social Awareness: Empathy, people awareness, understanding other’s problems.
Relationship management: Communication, leadership, influencing others, handling conflict and different opinions.
Virender Kapoor, author, thinker and educationist
An IIT Bombay alumnus, Kapoor is also a motivational speaker. Do you have any questions for him? Mail us at times.nie@timesgroup.com
