Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Is it Critical for our Success in Today’s Competitive World?

Search with Ctrl + F Last updated: 2022-08-14

Until recently, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Emotional Intelligence (EQ) was a term seldom used by companies, employees or job candidates. Now, it is one of the most common elements in evaluating employees and candidates. And, it is also viewed as an excellent predictor of company success.

Companies, particularly Tech companies, are focusing more on EQ. or Emotional Intelligence, than intellect when selecting or promoting employees. These companies have found that without high levels of Emotional Intelligence, employees are more likely to fail as productive, engaged workers. They also have learned that Leaders with high EQs make better leaders.

In today’s highly competitive world, productive, engaged and high performing employees are critical to company success. These elements of success comprise the basics of EQ, so it’s understandable that a company’s employees have high levels of EQ.

Most successful companies now require a standard of EQ for both job candidates and employees. Since statistics indicate that maximized EQ results in greater company and employee success, it’s now critical that employees attain higher levels of EQ as they progress in their careers.

EQ on-line testing is now standard in most tech companies, with many non-tech companies utilizing ‘’behavioral-based questions’’ and competency analysis to determine the most critical elements of overall job competence, work ethics and emotional intelligence of all employees and job candidates.

Almost 50% of today’s employees are millennials. This group of young employees and job candidates do not tolerate a lack of EQ, especially from their managers or leaders. Millennials generally have achieved at least basic levels of EQ and expect their leadership to be excellent examples of EQ. They are intolerant of old style managers who believe ‘’do as your told’’ is more than adequate for successful employee management.

Millennials are demanding more EQ from their companies, while companies are demanding the same from their employees? Will this create even more confusion or greater results in our economy as it struggles with worldwide competition?  To find out more, read Pierce Ivory’s article on Emotional Intelligence and the Future of Work.