By : Jamahl Hokstam

What is intelligence ?

Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. It can be divided into two basic categories IQ and EQ. IQ measures cognitive abilities, EQ emotional intelligence .

Mariam-Webster.com IQ is often considered the true measurement of intelligence, with standardized tests providing a score that reflects a person’s Intellectual performance relative to others.

However, without a matching level of EQ, individuals with high IQs may struggle to function effectively in the real world, as socializing and emotional regulation are essential skills for success.

Daniel Goleman notes, “Emotional intelligence is actually a more powerful predictor of success in life than IQ.” This is because emotional intelligence helps individuals navigate social situations, manage their own emotions, and empathize with others.

In contrast, individuals with high IQ may struggle with social cues and experience difficulty in relationships, as

Travis Bradberry: “IQ is a threshold competence. You need it, but it doesn’t make you a star. EQ can.”

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Western ideology is only now starting to adopt EQ into its core curriculum of understanding human behavior. For example a child may be a very poor test taker because of anxieties or fears, but that same child may be a high intellect when it comes to reading a room and understanding human behavior.

As psychologist Peter Salovey states, “It’s not that IQ and technical skills are irrelevant…but they are the entry-level requirements for executive positions. My research, along with other recent studies, clearly shows that emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership.”

A person with high EQ,  is not impulsive or hasty with their actions. They think before they do. This translates into steady emotion regulation, or the ability to reduce how intense an emotion feels.

Humans are social creatures  therefore we are comfortable and at ease with their easy rapport. It feels as though they can read social cues with superhuman ability. Perhaps they can even mind-read how other people feel to some extent. This effortlessness is welcome in all domains of life—at home, in social settings, and at work.

In summary, while IQ and EQ are both important forms of intelligence, high EQ can provide individuals with an advantage in life by enabling them to navigate social situations, manage their emotions, and empathize with others. As Goleman notes, “IQ is a threshold competence…But emotional intelligence sets great leaders apart.”