Each mode of intelligence is beneficial to have in life. Let’s explore what each quotient means and the potential benefit of being smart and feeling smart.

“The intelligence quotient (IQ) is a person’s intelligence level based of a number of standardized tests designed to assess intelligence. Quite simply put, it measures an individual’s ability to learn, understand and apply it. From early childhood to adulthood, IQ stays relatively the same as it compares to your age group according to Stanford Binet. Those who have a higher IQ are naturally wired to be good at understanding words and abstract thinking which inherently yields to being successful in analytical task-based research and development. This can lead to an incredibly successful career, but it doesn’t solely dictate it.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a set of skills rooted in human behavior. It accounts for your ability to recognize and understand emotions, and your skill at using this awareness to manage yourself and influence your relationship with others (Dan Goleman).  EQ directly impacts your ability to connect with others in many areas including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management according to TalentSmart. We all possess strengths and use them in how we navigate through the experiences of life. These skills can be learned and perfected through awareness and skills practice. This is the key difference between IQ and EQ.

The Connection Between IQ and EQ

IQ is one factor that is needed to achieve success in the workplace, but IQ alone can’t do it without EQ. IQ may open the door of opportunity, but EQ will keep the door open. EQ determines how well you function in that position. It helps develop the sustainable relationships with the people and organization. With the two quotients working together, the combination is powerful and can yield success in more ways than one.