Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Traditional Intelligence: PsychTests.com Releases Research on EIQ at Work

PsychTests.com's latest research reveals that emotional intelligence has a major impact on work performance.

MONTREAL, CANADA (MARKETWIRE) -- April 28, 2012

PsychTests.com, a pioneer in online personality, career, and IQ assessments has released its newest research on the role of emotional intelligence in work settings. Their research reveals that top performers were more likely to possess above average emotional intelligence.

Unless a person is in the acting field, the role of emotions at work seems trivial, if not counterproductive. Why should social insight matter in sales, self-motivation in IT, or emotional reflection in management? "Because emotions are part of our humanity," is what the staff at PsychTests will respond, "and if we're not dealing with our own emotions on a day-to-day basis, we're dealing with other people's". This is why "emotional intelligence" matters, why this concept has been thrown around a great deal in the psychology field, and in recent decades has become a hot buzzword in HR.

Assessing nearly 35,000 people on 33 different competencies using their MEIQ (Multi-dimensional Emotional Intelligence Quotient), research by PsychTests (http://psychtests.com) reveals that top performers at work outscored their less successful counterparts on all 33 EIQ factors, 23 of which were by 10 points or more on a scale from 0 to 100. The most notable differences were found on traits like resilience, self-motivation, self-esteem, contentment, positive mindset, and self-control. Those with high emotional intelligence were also less likely to find themselves in conflict situations at work, and more likely to be popular among their peers.

"A lot of HR managers will look at someone's CV, review references, and if the interview goes fine they assume that they've got a great job candidate on their hands ... and on paper, they really do seem suitable," explains Dr. Jerabek, president of the company. "If technical competencies were the most important, why is it then that some people who should be performing well don't? Why is it that once on the job, they suddenly crack under pressure, struggle to get along with the existing team, or otherwise fail to live up to their full potential? Our research shows that to a large degree, the missing link is emotional intelligence."

The importance of emotional intelligence in highly people-oriented fields was particularly prominent in PsychTests' study. According to their data, the top five fields with the highest emotional intelligence scores include those who work with the community, health practioners, managers, clerical workers/administrative assistants, and those who practice law.

If you think that all this emotional intelligence frenzy is just some touchy-feely mumbo jumbo that has no practical impact, consider these statistics:

  • 98% of those with high EIQ (compared to 77% of those with low EIQ) enjoy learning new things.
  • 82% of those with high EIQ (compared to 43% of those with low EIQ) carefully think through decisions before moving forward.
  • 82% of those with high EIQ (compared to 38% of those with low EIQ) believe that they are useful to their company and know exactly how the organization benefits from their skills and strengths.
  • 94% of those with high EIQ (compared to 52% of those with low EIQ) continuously look for ways to improve their performance at work.
  • 93% of those with high EIQ (compared to 34% of those with low EIQ) have complete confidence in their abilities.
  • In the face of major challenges, 81% of those with high EIQ (compared to 23% of those with low EIQ) become even more determined to succeed.
  • 46% of those with low EIQ (compared to 8% of those with high EIQ) are not satisfied with their work unless someone else praises it.
  • 39% of those with low EIQ (compared to 2% of those with high EIQ) rely on others to "push" or motivate them.

"If an organization is dealing with a great deal of turnover, burnout, low productivity, poor motivation, low engagement, poor customer service, or a lack of team unity, it would be a good idea to consider the role of emotional intelligence in these circumstances," suggests Dr. Jerabek. "Whether we realize it or not, our emotions impact the decisions we make, the way we solve problems, and the manner in which we handle challenges and conflict - all of which can factor into our potential for success. Organizations need to realize that traditional forms of intelligence are only one part of the success equation."

The good news is that emotional intelligence is trainable. While some people are more "emotionally gifted" than others, EIQ can be improved through practice, reflection, observation and knowledge. "Our emotions have access to information that is hidden from or masked by our rational thinking," points out Dr. Jerabek. "It's not about being emotional vs. rational. In fact, when we learn how to tap into both sources and use emotions and cognitions in synergy, only then do we start uncovering the immense capacity of our mind."

Those who wish to learn more about their own EIQ can go to http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3038.

HR managers interested in using this or other pre-employment tests can visit http://www.archprofile.com/corporate.


About Psychtests AIM Inc.

PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts. The company's research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.

Contact:
Ilona Jerabek, Ph.D., President
Psychtests AIM Inc.
http://testyourself.psychtests.com/
ilona@psychtests.com