Numerous studies show that emotional intelligence scores predict performance on critical life success factors. How strong is this effect?
Many studies have been conducted with small samples, and frequently the samples are primarily university students, so a new study examined over 75,000 individuals (primarily managers and employees from over 15 workplace sectors) from 126 countries.
As shown in the graph below, there is an extremely strong, positive relationship between emotional intelligence test scores and success scores:
What to Notice?
- These variables move together, up to the right. It means that developing the learnable skills of emotional intelligence is, statistically, a sound way to improve scores on success.
- There’s an “empty space” in the top left and bottom-right. It means that if you want to have high success scores, you need EQ.
What Is Success?
On the vertical axis is an assessment of “Success” based on four factors, each with two sub-components:
-
- Effectiveness: capacity to generate results (includes Influence and Decision Making)
- Relationships: capacity to build and maintain networks (includes Network & Community)
- Wellbeing: capacity to maintain optimal energy and functioning (Balance and Health)
- Quality of Life: capacity to maintain balance & fulfillment (Achievement & Satisfaction)
To further understand the impact of emotional intelligence on performance, a regression model was created to show the EQ competencies with the highest effect on the Success scores. The largest single contributors to the model are “Exercise Optimism” (seeing possibilities) and “Engage Intrinsic Motivation” (internal drive).
These are both in the “Choose Yourself” part of the Six Seconds Model, which focuses on taking responsibility for personal action. This suggests that the core driver of success, in this study, comes from intentional action.
Expanding Success with Emotional Intelligence
The other key contributors are “Increase Empathy” and “Pursue Noble Goals” — which are in the “Give Yourself” part of the Six Seconds Model. As Harvard Business School’s Clayton Christiansen has written, true success requires looking outside ourselves. This finding suggests that the highest success in life requires connections with others, and the application of emotional intelligence skills toward a meaningful purpose.
For further details, including the analysis of which specific emotional intelligence competencies are tied to the success factors, download the White Paper for free by filling in the form below. You will receive the White Paper (PDF) as well as a set of slides (PPTx) to share these findings.
Fill in this form and your white paper and slides will be emailed in seconds:
What’s new in emotional intelligence?
Want a Good Life? 3 Lessons from Harvard Grant Study
Harvard study, more than 80 years old, identifies the common threads of a long, satisfying life. So what makes a good life? And how can this study’s findings help us make better decisions in our own lives?
21 EQ Resources for Emotional Wellbeing for COVID
In the storms of volatility fueled by COVID-19 news, both real and sensational, how do we maintain equilibrium? Collected resources on emotional intelligence to help.
13 Tips to Reduce Stress & Anxiety During Covid-19
Looking at the neuroscience of stress and anxiety offers practical strategies for us to “cook up” more happiness.
Empathy vs. Sympathy: What’s the Difference?
Learn the key difference of empathy vs. sympathy, including the most common sympathy traps. Plus tips to put empathy into action!
Getting Unstuck: The Power of Naming Emotions
Traffic is always stressful, right? Turns out, there’s a secret neuroscience tip about naming emotions that can help. It’s simple and powerful.
The Neuroscience of Change: How to Make New Year’s Resolutions Stick
Why do New Year’s resolutions nearly always fail? And what can we do to make them stick, and form new habits?
I wish to improve myself and am interested in this white paper.
Very interested in this white paper.
Fantastic, Gordan. Did you download it? Let me know what you think!
Greetings
Your ebooks and whitepapers look great but the contact form does not open in Firefox. Is it the browser or is there some other issue perhaps?
I am interested in the Emotional Intelligence whitepapers