Understanding EQ/IQ

Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) are focused on measuring different functions and human abilities.

EQ specifically refers to people’s ability to manage and understand their own emotions as well as the emotions of others around them. This type of intelligence is particularly important in professional and personal settings, especially for people who wish to be successful. EQ is shown in several ways including self-awareness, self-regulating of your own emotions and remaining composed when stressed, showing empathy as well as compassion, and most importantly building relationships that are healthy with others around you.

IQ on the other hand is looking to measure the cognitive abilities or intelligence of a person in relation to their age group. This is usually assessed through standardized tests and is mostly associated with a person’s cognitive abilities. These abilities relate to problem-solving, numerical abilities, mathematical capabilities and skills, verbal skills as well as memory and the ability to easily recall information and experiences.

While EQ has started to be more appreciated in today’s society, it is IQ that has been praised for years as it is connected to strong academic performances and career successes. However, while IQ can be important for these technical skills and successes, it is EQ that is essential for having proper social interactions and emotional success. Both EQ and IQ can be developed over time and through practice, however, there is also a natural ability relating to these two which cannot be altered.
Both EQ and IQ are measurable through testing, but while IQ tests are standardized, with EQ tests we are generally talking about self-report questionnaires and behavioral observations.