Qualities of Students with High EQ
“No amount of smarts will make up for a lack of the ever-important emotional and social abilities, especially as part of the professional world.”
– Daniel Goleman, “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ”
The emphasis in education has changed radically over the past few decades. Gone is the underlining of the 3 R’s (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic) of our parents’—and grandparents’—days. Students today are expected to achieve 4.5 GPA’s, take AP courses, score in the top 10% on the ACT, start a club, be a team captain, invent and develop an app, start a side hustle, go on mission trips, and volunteer every weekend. Oh, and they need to be critical thinkers, innovative problem-solvers, stellar communicators, and advocates for social justice. It’s exhausting.
David Goleman, an American psychologist who popularized the term Emotional Intelligence (EQ), argues that what the world needs today are leaders and change agents who are self-aware, self-regulated, motivated, and empathic. They make the classroom, the boardroom, and the world a better place.
So, after the last chord of “Pomp and Circumstance” is struck, and you’re sending your baby off to college for the first time, have you ensured that he or she is equipped with the EQ skills to succeed in today’s fast-paced, getting there, digital world? Read on for the secrets of highly successful leaders—all equipped with the components with high emotional intelligence.
They’re change agents
People with high EQ aren’t afraid of change. They understand that it’s a necessary part of life—and they adapt.
They’re self-aware
They know what they’re good at and what they still have to learn—weaknesses don’t hold them back. They know what environments are optimal for their work style.
They’re empathetic
The hallmark of EQ, being able to relate to others, makes them essential in the workplace. With an innate ability to understand what co-workers or clients are going through, they can get through difficult times, drama free.
They’re not perfectionists
While extremely motivated, people with EQ know that perfection is impossible. They roll with the punches and learn from mistakes.
They’re balanced
Their self-awareness means that they naturally know the importance of and how to maintain a healthy professional-personal balance in their lives. They eat well, get plenty of sleep and have interests outside work.
They’re curious
An inborn sense of wonder and curiosity makes them delightful to be around. They don’t judge; they explore the possibilities. They ask questions and are open to new solutions.
They’re gracious
People with high EQ know every day brings something to be thankful for—and they don’t see the world as “glass half-empty” as a lot of people do. They feel good about their lives and don’t let critics or toxic people affect that.
Do you know anyone with high EQ? Reach out to them and learn from them. Take them to coffee and learn how to see the world through their perspective.