6 misconceptions worth changing your mind about.

Almost everyone has heard of the term ‘EQ’ but most people have no idea of what it really is.

My favorite description of EQ, emotional intelligence, comes from a wonderful book, The EQ Edge:

“You might be as sharp as a tack, but if you can’t convey what you know to other people, you’re in trouble. As creative and skillful as you might be, if you’re unaware of how you relate to others, if you behave disdainfully or angrily or impulsively, no one will stick around long enough to admire your skill and creativity.” Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book in The EQ Edge

Here is another good description from the same book:

“Regardless of our role — be it as a boss, potential partner or employee — and no matter how strong our other abilities — the knowledge we possess or the skills we have acquired — we will never have a chance to demonstrate them if others run in the opposite direction when they see us coming.” Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book in The EQ Edge

Both paragraphs are true.

And yet.

Most people roll their eyes when they talk about EQ. They have misconceptions. They regard EQ as a rude guest who has barged into their homes. Instead of asking the guest for what it has brought, they assume. Assuming is easier than learning about EQ.

One of the clients I’m currently teaching is full of these endless assumptions:

“EQ is bullshit! I don’t need a course on EQ! I’m a hot-shot manager in my company!” After the first day’s lecture, this client stormed into my office and exclaimed, “What am I doing here?”

“You’re here to learn about emotional intelligence,” I explained.

He had no ear for me. He paced back and forth and talked about the utter uselessness of EQ for an hour. This guy was sent to my class because his company’s board members were on the verge of firing him.

Why?

Even though he is a first-rate accountant and financial wizard, he is ruthless and greedy. His arrogance is alienating local and foreign clients. His employees cannot stand to be with him even for 5 minutes.

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To your inspiration,

Banchi