As we have already established, human intelligence is a fascinating and multi-faceted phenomenon, made up of dozens – potentially countless – factors, perspectives, and components. It should come as no real surprise, therefore, that an IQ test, even a high quality certified IQ test or international IQ test, can only go so far when it comes to the true length and breadth of the human intellect.
Just think about it for a moment: your success at school, university, or in the workplace isn’t just determined by your ability to solve mathematical or logical problems, nor is it directly correlated to your IQ test score. While having a high IQ test result may help with some final exams, your success comes just as much down to your dedication, the amount of effort you put in, your motivation, social skills, and self confidence… and all of these factors, and many more besides, are far outside the remit of what an IQ test can accurately measure.
Your academic intelligence or IQ test score may help you get a job as an accountant in a good firm. However, in order to become a successful accountant, or one capable of helping an array of clients in ways beyond the bare minimum, you will need certain qualities which are better defined as ‘emotional intelligence’.
Defining Emotional Intelligence
‘Emotional intelligence’ essentially refers to how an individual manages, controls, and expresses feelings and emotions, both their own and other people’s. The emotional intelligence concept was formed by scientist Daniel Goleman, who went on to distinguish the five specific aspects of emotional intelligence, which are as follows:
- Managing your own emotions
- Recognising your own emotions
- Recognising the emotions of others
- Managing emotional relationships
- Self motivation
It goes without saying that emotional intelligence, as defined by Goleman, has little to do with IQ tests and certified IQ testing. However, when a high intellect (that is, somebody who has a high IQ test score) is combined with a healthy emotional intelligence, truly great results can easily come about.
