How Smart Are You… Really?

Monday, 04. January 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Recent finding about the nature of intelligence:
1) Existing standardized IQ tests totally fail to predict success in life or business.  (Because IQ only narrowly relates to one’s overall intelligence.)
2) Emotional maturity has been scientifically proven to be an indispensable contributor to rational decision thinking and decision making – key attributes which lead to high levels of success.
3) New research is showing that “overall” intelligence is (to a large extent) learned.

Four Major Factors of Overall Intelligence:
1) Intellectual Intelligence (IQ): is largely genetic, but can be honed (or heightened) by curiosity, discipline in study, and by exposing yourself to a wide range of experiences.

2) Emotional Intelligence (EQ): is the ability to manage your own emotions.  It begins with your ability to recognize your emotions, then understand them, and finally to manage yourself out of “emotional hijackings.”  (A person’s emotions can get “hijacked” by an event or strong emotion… like excess fear, anger, bitterness,…)

How to develop EQ:
• The first step to a high EQ is growing in your ability to recognize, or be aware, of your emotions.  THIS IS NOT AS EASY AS IT SEEMS… We all can loose sight of our emotions… Being aware of our emotions requires constant reflection and forms of feedback.
• The second step is to manage your emotions… (primarily by managing your self-talk.)
• The third step to concentrate (to be fully present) so you are not caught off guard in any type of situation which may occur in the day.

3) Social Intelligence (SQ):  If EQ is the ability to manage your own emotions, then SQ has to do with recognizing and managing the emotions in interpersonal relationships.  EQ is directed inward.  SQ is directed outward, and involves:
• The ability to recognize the emotions of others
• The ability to empathize with those emotions
• The ability to listen well
• To really care
• And the ability to resolve conflicts in a healthy way

4) Change Intelligence (CQ):  This type of intelligence has a huge impact on one’s ability to lead others and organizations. 
• Where you quickly recognize the need for change
• Are emotionally comfortable with change - can emotionally come to peace with the need for change
• And can confidently lead yourself, and others, down the path of change

SO WHAT IS THE POINT?
** Research has shown that World Class Performers may only have an average IQ, but definitely have highly developed EQ, SQ, & CQ’s.  This again shows that success is developed…