What’s the Best Type of Intelligence for Your Business? RNFM Radio EPS 246

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When considering  intelligence and its impact on your business success, we can’t just think about book smarts and intellect — we also need to consider your E.Q. (emotional quotient) — and your emotional intelligence. It really matters, folks!

Emotional intelligence and the concept of a person’s E.Q. came into the public space in a big way in 1995 when Daniel Goleman published his seminal book, Emotional Intelligence. 

Emotional intelligence is defined on Wikipedia as “the capability of individuals to recognize their own, and other people’s emotions, to discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, and to manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt environments or achieve one’s goal(s).”

A person can have a very high I.Q. and a low E.Q. (you might know people like this in your own lives), but you can also have both a high I.Q. and E.Q. We recommend that all entrepreneurs work on improving and increasing their E.Q. — it matters a lot, especially for your ability to relate to others (e.g.: your clients and customers).

So, how can EQ be leveraged in terms of your business endeavors?

You need to be able to understand where you are in terms of your own emotional life and also be able to connect with others on an emotional level. This helps you to make deals, build relationships, and understand both your colleagues, business partners, and clients.

How do you handle conflict? Are you thin-skinned? Are you skilled at keeping your emotional reactions in check? Can you resolve conflicts peacefully?

Listen, reflect, empathize. These are key ways to move in the world of business.

Negotiation skills are strengthened by a high E.Q. because your communication is level-headed. As an emotionally intelligent business person, you’re very able to listen and then calmly reflect on what you’re hearing, reflecting what you’ve heard back to whoever you’re communicating with.

Emotional intelligence can also help you to make better business decisions.

How does hiring people with high levels of emotional intelligence benefit your business?

Emotionally intelligent leaders and managers can “read” the energy in their organization and navigate relationships skillfully. 

Steve Jobs was apparently a pain to work for, and his academic/intellectual intelligence were off the charts. His emotional intelligence was questionable at times, but he also could “read” what consumers wanted — but he couldn’t necessarily deal with building positive relationships. He wasn’t always nice to those who worked with or for him, but he understood consumers’ emotions in a very savvy and prescient way. Your EQ can help you truly understand your clients and audience, and Steve Jobs was one example of that. 

Kevin looks for academic intelligence, but he also wants emotionally intelligent employees who can monitor their own emotions and also see and sense the emotions of others.

A high EQ can also help you build a powerful brand. 

SURPRISE! Relational intelligence is also important!

Keith sees this as very important and woefully overlooked.

A symbiotic melding of your IQ and EQ can result in relational intelligence; you can take your empathy and understanding to the next level and relate more deeply with others through the filter of your EQ and IQ.

Some books out there could provide a great shot in the arm for leaders looking to master relational intelligence.

Is your business relational in nature? Are relationships central to the success of your business? Are you willing to “infect” others with relational intelligence?

Intention and presence are key! Are you bringing these characteristics to your business?

Your time and attention is off the hook!

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