Emotional intelligence at work: Why IQ isn’t everything | Big Think

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in the workplace, particularly in fields like engineering where technical skills are a given. A study revealed that EI, not IQ, is the strongest predictor of success as rated by peers. This is because while all engineers possess a high IQ, their EI varies significantly and influences their ability to manage challenges, maintain a positive outlook, and work well with others. The script suggests that EI should be a key consideration in hiring and promoting employees, as it is a learnable skill that can be developed to enhance individual and organizational success.

Takeaways

• 📊 Emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong predictor of success in the workplace, even more so than IQ.
• 🤖 Among engineers and software coders, EI correlates highly with success as rated by peers, while IQ has no correlation.
• 🧠 The average IQ for engineers is around 115, indicating a high baseline intelligence, but EI varies more widely and significantly impacts success.
• 🔄 EI encompasses self-management abilities, such as goal pursuit despite obstacles and maintaining a positive outlook.
• 🤝 Relationship competencies are part of EI, including the ability to tune in to others and be a team player, which is crucial in collaborative work environments.
• 👩‍💻 A real-life example illustrates that the engineer who engaged with the team was more likely to succeed compared to the one who worked in isolation.
• 💼 Career success, especially at higher organizational levels like C-suite positions, is influenced by EI, not just technical expertise or IQ.
• 📈 A study by an executive recruiting company found that individuals were often hired for their business acumen and IQ but fired due to a lack of EI.
• 📚 EI is a learnable skill, and individuals can improve their EI at any stage of their life with motivation and effort.
• 🔍 When hiring or promoting, organizations should consider EI as a key factor, and it should be integrated into HR strategies for employee development.

Q & A

What was the surprising finding from the study on engineers and software coders?

The surprising finding was that emotional intelligence, rather than IQ, was the strongest predictor of success as rated by peers.

How does the 360 evaluation measure emotional intelligence?

The 360 evaluation measures emotional intelligence by assessing all 12 key competencies that distinguish star performers from average.

What was the correlation between IQ and success as per the study?

The study found that IQ correlated zero with success as rated by peers.

Why is there a 'floor effect' for IQ in roles like engineering?

There is a 'floor effect' because all engineers already have an IQ of at least 115, which reduces the range of variance between IQ and success.

What is the significance of having an IQ of 115 or more in the context of engineering?

Having an IQ of 115 or more is significant because it is the minimum threshold for engineers, and thus, all engineers are already above average in intelligence.

How does emotional intelligence vary among engineers?

Emotional intelligence varies radically among engineers, which is why it is a better predictor of success than IQ.

What are some examples of emotional intelligence competencies that impact success?

Examples include managing oneself, working towards goals despite obstacles, maintaining a positive outlook, and being a good team member.

Why is it important for engineers to be team players in today's work environment?

It is important for engineers to be team players because work is collaborative, requiring coordination, influence, persuasion, and teamwork.

What was the outcome of the internal study conducted by the executive recruiting company?

The internal study found that individuals hired for their business expertise and IQ were often fired due to a deficiency in emotional intelligence.

Why is emotional intelligence considered more important than ever in hiring and promoting employees?

Emotional intelligence is considered more important because it is a better predictor of success in roles and can be learned and improved throughout one's life.

How can organizations help employees develop their emotional intelligence?

Organizations can help employees develop their emotional intelligence by including it in HR practices, offering training, and supporting continuous learning.