Is EQ More Important that IQ? A deep dive into

Is EQ More Important than IQ? Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

by Samantha Ruiz District and Community Relations Coordinator Southwest ISD

When I started my doctoral program in leadership studies, I could not tell you one leadership theory from the other. I didn’t even know what my end goal was at that point. Fast forward five years (and counting), and I can tell you that I have a clearer picture of both. Not only have I developed a passion for leadership, but also for all theories that cover the topic. My overall goal is to help people become better leaders. More specifically, to help in areas where there is high turnover because of poor leadership. When asked what my goals are with leadership, most people nod in agreeance. Through observation and firsthand experience, it seems as though the “great” leaders are few and far between. Most people’s experiences with leadership have not been the best, and I typically get the response with, “You should research my company.”

As I learned about leadership theories, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) was my least favorite, mainly because it was a complex topic to grasp. However, after application in the workplace, I can honestly say that it is probably the most important attribute of great leaders. EQ is one of the most under-taught and overlooked approaches in leadership. I strongly believe that Emotional Intelligence should be built into every type of leadership training program. Why? Because this type of intelligence is not about academic applications; it comes from within. The best part is that it can be controlled and practiced within oneself. It can be taught, but you have to be willing to learn and unlearn.

Emotional Intelligence: What is it?

Emotional Intelligence gives us the ability to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions and recognize, understand and influence the emotions of others. Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Relational Management and Social Skills are the four key areas that make up EQ. Self-Awareness is one’s ability to manage and control emotions. This includes understanding your feelings, emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior. With high levels of Self-Awareness, you can identify your strength and weaknesses. Self-Awareness allows us to think before we speak; to act instead of react.

Self-Management is your ability to control impulsive feelings and behaviors. This area of EQ allows you to take a healthy approach to managing your emotions. Individuals who master Self-Management also can be adaptable in all types of situations.

Relational management allows individuals to develop and maintain successful relationships, clear communication and conflict management. This kind of management helps you to interact in a positive capacity with those around you. Oftentimes, we are more likely to de-escalate situations in healthy ways. Relationship management helps a leader be adaptable to their environment and those around them.

The fourth construct of EQ is Social Skills. Successful Social Skills allow you to have empathy, the ability to identify emotional needs, have concerns for other people and provide comfort in social settings. Mastering Social Skills allows you to be mindful and observant when interacting with others. It also gives you the ability to read situations and how to respond positively.

Why is Emotional Intelligence important for leadership?

Emotional Intelligence is important for leadership because it allows us to take control of our actions and reactions. It plays a vital role in helping us build and maintain successful teams. It also allows leaders to adapt to each follower. Not everyone has the same working or learning style. EQ enables leaders to adapt to their followers instead of the followers adapting to their leaders. This concept is intensely overlooked in the workplace.

How can Emotional Intelligence improve our workplace?

Emotional Intelligence in leadership can help improve our workplaces. It helps us understand non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is important in the workplace because it allows us to identify the temperature of the conversation being held. It allows us to be more mindful of the other party in the conversation as well. It can arguably be one of the more powerful ways to communicate because looks and gestures can say much more than words.

Helps others improve interpersonal skills

As leaders, we lead by example. As we become more mindful of our own Emotional Intelligence in our organizations, the more beneficial we are to our followers. This allows us to help teach others how to practice their own Emotional Intelligence. Additionally, it allows us to build up successful and productive teams.

Helps improve empathy

Empathy is a key part of Relational Management. It allows us to listen before we speak. It shows that we care about the feelings and emotions of others. When an employee knows that you feel empathy, they are more likely to be more honest and transparent. Individuals who are successful in showing empathy can adapt to conversations with different approaches. Communication is not one-size-fitsall. Empathy allows leaders to adapt to everyone’s style of communication.

Improves communication and helps facilitate positive relationships

Relationships! Relationships! Relationships! I cannot stress how important leader-follower relationships are in the workplace. Regardless of the industry, workplace relationships can make or break your work culture. Leaders that are higher on the EQ scale are more likely to build and maintain successful relationships with their followers. A positive work environment stems from good leadership and good leadership stems from a leader’s execution with their EQ. When you have negative relationships in the workplace, this brings on stress, misery, unhappiness and possibly turnover, over time.

For the first 10 years of my adult career, I worked in the adult beverage industry. My roles did not involve much office time. They required me to be out with customers 90 percent of the time. I made an unexpected switch to public education earlier this year where I now work in the district’s community relations department. This role is quite the opposite of my previous experience; it requires much more office time. It also includes much community involvement, which means that I interact with members of the community, senior staff of the district, board members, etc. This role has enabled me to keep myself in check with my Emotional Intelligence. I interact with different personalities daily. It has allowed me to take a step back to make sure I am practicing each key area of EQ. Moreover, it has allowed me to sharpen the skills of adaptability, communication, strategic thinking and social skills. It is cool to be a key part of your EQ development once you have recognized the foundation of practicing these skills. I will say, this process involves a lot of selftalk and self-reflection. While I have not mastered all the EQ areas yet, I do see internal progress a little each day. When you take your professional and personal growth into your own hands, EQ is one of it is truly a great experience. the most underWhether you have taught and been a leader for 10 years or 10 days, it’s overlooked never too early or late to monitor your development and approaches in leadership.progress with the Emotional Intelligence constructs. Hold yourself accountable for your actions and reactions. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have someone you are comfortable with help you be accountable as well. Oftentimes, we can be biased when it comes to our progress, so having someone that can be straightforward and honest with you can accelerate your EQ journey in leadership. Don’t know where or how to start? There are many great articles and books out there that can help. If nothing else, practice mindfulness when working with your followers. An open ear and an open heart can take you a long way in your leadership career. Furthermore, there are Emotional Intelligence quizzes and certification classes available if this is something you want to get serious about. Lastly, anyone can be a manager, but not everyone can be a leader. Let’s help minimize those turnover rates, improve work culture and be the light in our workplaces. Let’s be those great leaders that people want to work hard for. Let’s grow with our teams. Most importantly, let’s start by mastering our Emotional Intelligence. Cheers to your leadership journey!

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE DATES

Late fees registration begins: Jan. 24, 2022 No registration refunds begins; substitutions allowed: Jan. 24, 2022 Last day to make hotel reservations at conference rate: Feb. 7, 2022