Success in life
It may be determined by more than you think!
By Robin C. Robertson, MBA
Prevention and Education Manager, PFSP
Since Daniel Goleman popularized the concept of emotional intelligence (EQ),1 there has been much discussion on its significance as a possible indicator for success in life. The idea actually dates back to the '30s when Robert Thorndike coined social intelligence. Development of the concept continues today.
In the '80s, Dr. Reuven Bar-On was puzzled by the fact that some of his highly intelligent students did "dumb" things and were not necessarily the most successful in life. He began to research determinants of success and found them to be very distinct from cognitive intelligence (IQ). He constructed the EQ-i, an instrument validated and extensively normed (more than 9,000 individuals). The instrument became available for use in 1997.
Emotional intelligence, according to Dr. Bar-On, is the "array of noncognitive capabilities, competencies and skills that influence one's ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures." Or according to Mayer and Salovey, "the ability to monitor one's own and other's feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one's thinking and action."
EQ is not IQ, aptitude, achievement, vocational interests or personality. So why is it important? EQ is something we can develop and, therefore, we can become more effective at work and in life, generally.
Emotional intelligence theories provide models, feedback and direction for self-development and professional development. Goleman and others assert that success in life is determined, in a small part, by IQ and, in a much larger degree, by the aspects of EQ.
Aspects of EQ include emotional self-awareness, assertiveness, self-regard, self-actualization, independence, interpersonal relationships, empathy, social responsibility, problem solving, reality testing, flexibility, stress tolerance, impulse control, happiness and optimism.
More importantly are the limits an underdeveloped EQ puts on our lives. We all have heard the legends of the physicians who, due to their abrasive and caustic manner, are avoided despite the fact they are brilliant. Or those physicians who use their IQ or cognitive abilities as an excuse for just plain bad interpersonal behaviors.
In March 1999, an article ran in the Medical Post titled "Do Doctors Have an Emotional Handicap?" The article quoted Dr. Steven Stein, "What shocked us was the emotional quotient score was much lower than we expected. It was only 90 in these physicians, yet the average is 100."
Speculation as to why this is the case might include the selection process for physicians being skewed towards intelligence, the emphasis on "hard science" or medical training that encourages competition and non-team-based behaviors. The utility of knowing that this is a distinct possibility is within our control to choose to change or improve ourselves.
EQ is not permanently fixed. The skills can be learned regardless of race, sex or age. This is in contrast to IQ, which is said to peak at age 17, remain constant through adulthood and diminish during old age.
Researchers Stein and Book contend that the stronger your emotional intelligence, the more likely you are to be a successful parent, manager, doctor, friend, etc., and to achieve your goals in life, however you define them.
There are several ways to develop greater emotional intelligence. The EQ-i instrument provides a way of assessing an individual's emotional intelligence against a norm base. Several books including The EQ Edge,2 by Steven Stein and Howard Book, and Working With Emotional Intelligence,3 by Daniel Goleman, provide frameworks for analysis
and development suggestions.
The Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP) offers a one-day workshop on EQ. Groups of six or more physicians can request that PFSP set up a session (see sidebar). Psychologists and accredited coaches can provide testing and one-on-one assistance with developmental plans.
EQ is not the whole picture, however, it provides an opportunity for enhancement. The Menninger Clinic coined a phrase that is particularly relevant - "You don't have to get sick to get better."
References:
- Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ; Daniel Goleman, 1995.
- The EQ Edge; Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book, 2000.
- Working with Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman, 1998.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Emerson
Emotional Intelligence workshop December 1, Calgary AB.
Or on request by physician groups. Contact PFSP at 1-877-262-7377.
A brief history of emotional intelligence
1936, Robert Thorndike - "social intelligence"
1940, David Wechsler - "non-intellective intelligence"
1980, Reuven Bar-On - the concept of EQ
1983, Howard Gardner - "personal intelligence"
1989, John Mayer and Peter Salovey - "emotional intelligence"
1995, Daniel Goleman - popularized "emotional intelligence"
1997, Reuven Bar-On - EQ-i inventory