Psychology for Business
eNewsletter
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We are dedicated to bringing out
the best in you and your employees
Vol.2, No.4
February 23, 2001
IS EQ MORE IMPORTANT THAN IQ IN TODAY’S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT?
By Paul Kenneth Glass, Ph.D., Business Psychologist and
Independent Consultant
In this article you will learn:
* What emotional intelligence is
* How emotional intelligence (measured as emotional quotient, EQ) is related to business success
* How to assess your own emotional quotient
* How to improve your business environment by increasing the emotional intelligence of your employees
* How to improve your own EQ
Recently, an employer raised an interesting question. “With Mr. A. being the top of his graduating class and having worked
here for seven years, why is it so hard for him to get along with others?” When I asked what he meant, he elaborated on a
situation that he said was all too common with this manager. He explained that this person had very little tolerance for others
who did not work at the same level of intensity that he did. When they did not show the expected enthusiasm, or
production desired, he would scream at them. Others have
complained about him and some good employees have actually left the company. “What can I do?” he asked. “I have talked
to him numerous times about this and though he agrees, seemingly sincerely, nothing changes.”
It is not unusual for many intelligent and intense individuals to hold high expectations for themselves and others, but what
seems to be lacking is emotional intelligence. Even if this manager intellectually understood what he wanted, and how to
do it, he was emotionally deficient in understanding his own emotions as well as how his lack of emotional control affected
others.
How does the inability to attend to emotional dynamics affect a business such as this? Generally the damage is subtle at first
but eventually it leads to lower production, decreased morale, poor attitudes, and often losing valued employees. Just because
an IQ (Intellectual Quotient) is high, it does not guaranty an EQ (Emotional Quotient) will be high. What once was viewed
as fluff, and unnecessary for businesses to succeed, is now
unquestionably one of the most often identified components of loyalty, cooperation, satisfaction, communication, and
ultimately business growth and profitability.
This unfortunately is not an unusual scenario in many businesses today. In fact, recently Daniel Goleman, author of
“Working with Emotional Intelligence”(1998), conducted a survey of American businesses which clearly revealed that
more than half of the people working for them lacked the motivation to keep learning and improving in their job. Also
uncovered was that forty percent (40%) were not able to work cooperatively with fellow employees, and just nineteen percent
(19%) applying for entry level jobs have the needed self-
discipline to perform their required responsibilities. These are key components of EQ.
The disturbing reality businesses must face today is the serious decline in motivation, cooperation, and self-discipline. A
survey of benchmark practices among major corporations, done by the American Society for Training and Development,
identified a desperate need for connection, empathy, and open communication. The lack of development and use of skills that
promote a positive and profitable work environment have cost
companies not only financially but this deficit has also severely damaged morale by increasing conflict and turnover.
Sophisticated development of emotional intelligence is critical in the business environment.
Can you afford the time and energy it takes to manage the often-ignored complications related to employee (and your
own personal) dissatisfaction? It has been my experience, over the last twenty-five years, that the nature and number of work
related conflicts is consuming enormous organizational energy and resources.
The rules have changed regarding how and what we measure as essential for success in business, given the demanding and
competitive market place. The new measure of success requires not only being smart, well trained and experienced,
but also how well we handle each other and ourselves.
How emotionally intelligent am I?
Ask the following
1. Do I listen well, not just to words but what someone is feeling? Do I show a willingness to adjust the game
plan when the old one no longer works?
2. Do I communicate well? This refers to not only content, but also awareness and management of emotional
expression (verbal, non-verbal, written, etc.).
3. Do I personally adjust to changes and find constructive ways to challenge myself or do I react angrily or
defensively. Do I look for the ways to improve the team?
4. Do I look for ways to improve myself? Are the improvements based on feedback from others?
5. Do I find that I am persuasive and that others follow with enthusiasm?
6. Do I trust others and know they trust me?
7. Am I patient?
If you answered YES to the above questions your EQ is likely high. However, these are only a few ways to begin to assess
your emotional intelligence. Constant review of your emotional management is important. It is scientifically
documented that when an individual understands and manages him/herself well, the net effect is improved contentment and
increased productivity.
How do I improve my EQ?
EQ unlike IQ is not set. Though we each inherit intellectual limits, we have no set limits to the development of EQ. You
can be smart but still not be successful, or liked.
To improve your EQ will take dedicated work. You will need a willingness to learn more about yourself and how you
manage your own emotions as well as learn to read and respond appropriately to others.
1. Ask others to evaluate you and your work.
2. Ask others how well you control negative expressions.
3. Find ways to help others (even in small ways)
4. Compliment and encourage others. Who needs this? Everyone who is not dead!
5. Tune in to someone who shows frustration. Ask what they need or what would help.
6. Find the good in others and what they do.
7. Show appreciation, even for little things.
8. Do not grab impulsively for what seems to benefit you without taking into consideration what the impact will
be on others.
If you are not enjoying the net effect of the work you are doing to improve your emotional intelligence in your work setting (or
personnel life), then you are doing it wrong. Don’t give up, but start again. You can and will get it right. It works! Prove it to
yourself.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Conclusion.
EQ is clearly the most essential, though often hidden or ignored, element in real business success. Smart is great, but
being effective is far more important.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
For more information or consultation regarding the development of emotional intelligence in your work
environment contact Dr. Paul Glass, Independent Consultant, at pglass@psychologyforbusiness.com or phone
(262) 544-9918; Fax (262) 547-5138).
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Future articles will address *How Emotional Intelligence Effects Employee Retention* and
*Is It More Important To Be Right or Effective?*
About the Author
Paul Kenneth Glass, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing consultative
services to individuals and organizations. The provision of structured, practical, and effective
solutions has contributed to his respect as an engineer of measurable and profitable changes.
Based in Waukesha, WI, Dr. Paul Glass is available for consultation or coaching by phone, e-mail or in person. He may
be reached at (262) 544-9918 (office) by e-mail at pglass@psychologyforbusiness.com or:
Paul Glass, Ph.D.
Psychology for Business
2717 North Grandview Boulevard, Suite 303
Waukesha, Wisconsin, 53188
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at www.laborlogic.com.. It is the feature article on the hiring and executive search page. Call us for more
information at (262) 544-9918.
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