People often frame it as a contest: is it better to be smart or to be emotionally skilled? Research suggests that is the wrong question. They are different skills, and you need both.
What each one measures
- IQ covers reasoning, learning speed, working memory and problem solving.
- Emotional intelligence (EQ) covers reading emotions in yourself and others, managing your reactions, empathy and handling relationships.
The idea of emotional intelligence was developed by psychologists John Mayer and Peter Salovey in 1990 and became famous through Daniel Goleman's 1995 book.
What the evidence says
IQ is one of the better predictors of academic results and of performance in complex jobs. EQ-type skills such as self-control, empathy and communication add to success in leadership, teamwork and relationships. The two are only weakly related, so someone can be strong in either, both or neither.
One caution: popular EQ quizzes vary a lot in quality, and claims that EQ matters "twice as much as IQ" are not well supported. Treat bold numbers with suspicion.
Building EQ in practice
- Name your feeling precisely: "frustrated" and "disappointed" call for different actions.
- Pause before replying when upset. Even ten seconds helps.
- Ask one more question before assuming you know what someone means.
- Notice body signals such as tight shoulders or a racing heart: they are early warnings.
- Ask a trusted friend how you come across, and listen without defending.
Brain Club members can explore both sides of their mind with the Real IQ Test and the other tests in the test library.