IQ used to play a huge role in the schools around the world. All sorts of tests were used to compare the IQ of people and put them in a ranking order. IQ is the measure of cognitive ability such as:
• The ability to learn
• The ability to apply knowledge
• The skill of reasoning
• The ability to think abstractly
This is very out and dry – you are either clever or you aren’t. Geneticists say that it is not possible to raise a persons IQ but social scientists say that it is possible, so there is an ongoing debate about that.
However, it is possible to improve a persons EQ. To do this you could improve a person’s people skills such as empathy, graciousness and the ability to “read” the social situation.
People without EQ will have a hard time surviving in life, but if you have Emotional Competence you have a choice as to how you express your feelings and how you act.
People with a high EQ are described as optimists & treat obstacles as minor while they quickly work through the problem.
People with a Low EQ are described as pessimists and are setback by even the smallest social obstacles.
When you recognise the difference between IQ and EQ, you can develop your EQ. It’s often neglected in our education but it can be learned.
Many people believe that it’s a person’s communication skills that get them to the top and keeps them there. This is true although I prefer to look at it as a balance between IQ and EQ.
It’s important that our brain works effectively as well as our hearts on every part of our daily lives.
None of us are perfect on this scale – we all have our strengths and weaknesses, but the ingredient for outstanding performance requires a balance between the two.
That reminds me a little of our school logo:
“The Perfect Balance”
We are involved in quite a bit of academics at school but this cannot be the center of all focus. We also need to take part in sport and social activities. This improves the way we understand ourselves and the way we work with other people. I believe in living a balanced lifestyle and I have strived to keep my balance in order to live a very full and successful life.
I want to leave you with this thought….
“IQ Gets Through School, EQ Gets Through Life”
Bye for now
Hayley
