Antonio Pérez Carmona

Are You Emotionally Intelligent? (Part One)

Here’s How To Know For Sure

When emotional intelligence (EQ) first appeared to the masses, it served as the

missing link in a peculiar finding: people with average IQs outperform those with

the highest IQs 70% of the time. This anomaly threw a massive wrench into the

broadly held assumption that IQ was the sole source of success.

Decades of research now point to emotional intelligence as being the critical

factor that sets star performers apart from the rest of the pack. The connection

is so strong that 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the “something” in each of us that is a bit intangible. It

affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make

personal decisions to achieve positive results.

Despite the significance of EQ, its intangible nature makes it very difficult to

know how much you have and what you can do to improve if you’re lacking.

You can always take a scientifically validated test, such as the one that comes

with the Emotional Intelligence 2.0 book.

Unfortunately, quality (scientifically valid) EQ tests aren’t free. So, I’ve analyzed

the data from the million-plus people TalentSmart has tested in order to identify

the behaviors that are the hallmarks of a high EQ. What follows are sure signs

that you have a high EQ.

You Have A Robust Emotional Vocabulary

All people experience emotions, but it is a select few who can accurately

identify them as they occur. Our research shows that only 36% of people can do

this, which is problematic because unlabeled emotions often go misunderstood,

which leads to irrational choices and counterproductive actions.

People with high EQs master their emotions because they understand them,

and they use an extensive vocabulary of feelings to do so. While many people

might describe themselves as simply feeling “bad,” emotionally intelligent

people can pinpoint whether they feel “irritable,” “frustrated,” “downtrodden” or

“anxious.” The more specific your word choice, the better insight you have into

exactly how you are feeling, what caused it, and what you should do about it.

You’re Curious About People

It doesn’t matter if they’re introverted or extroverted, emotionally intelligent

people are curious about everyone around them. This curiosity is the product of

empathy, one of the most significant gateways to a high EQ. The more you care

about other people and what they’re going through, the more curiosity you’re

going to have about them.

You Embrace Change

Emotionally intelligent people are flexible and are constantly adapting. They

know that fear of change is paralyzing and a major threat to their success and

happiness. They look for change that is lurking just around the corner, and they

form a plan of action should these changes occur.

You Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses

Emotionally intelligent people don’t just understand emotions; they know what

they’re good at and what they’re terrible at. They also know who pushes their

buttons and the environments (both situations and people) that enable them to

succeed.

Having a high EQ means you know your strengths and you know how to lean

into them and use them to your full advantage while keeping your weaknesses

from holding you back.