HOW you Think” CAN CHANGE“ WHAT you Think"

Why EQ Matters More Than IQ in Leadership and Communication

Throughout my career, I've learned that having a high IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is incredibly valuable. It enables you to excel as an engineer, analyst, or manager because it allows you to effectively handle ideas, knowledge, and technical skills. For instance, when I started in my field, I relied heavily on my IQ to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions.

However, as I advanced in my career and took on leadership roles, I realized something important: IQ alone wasn't enough. To be an effective leader and communicator, my Emotional Quotient (EQ) played a far more critical role.

EQ, or Emotional Intelligence, is all about managing relationships with others. It's the ability to understand, empathize, and connect with people on a deeper level. In my experience, EQ is what helps you build strong teams, foster collaboration, and navigate challenging conversations with empathy and insight.

Reflecting on my journey, I wasn’t always aware of the importance of EQ. About four years ago, I used to be quite rude, anxious, and arrogant when dealing with people. I thought that being in a leadership position gave me the license to be demanding and authoritative. I would often speak harshly, thinking it was necessary to get the job done.

But over time, I realized that the best way to work with people is to understand them, not to rule over them. It’s like offering water to someone who’s just come out of the desert—compassion and understanding go a long way. My job doesn’t give me the right to hurt someone’s personality or put them in a psychological dilemma. We should learn to respect others, and respect is not something we can demand—it’s something we must earn.

In the workplace, we cannot speak louder or more harshly to someone just because they made a mistake. Everyone has their way of working, and no one is perfect. Even when faced with significant errors, it’s essential to address them with kindness and understanding. This approach not only helps in correcting the mistake but also in building a positive and respectful work environment.

In leadership, I've found that your ability to manage emotions—both yours and others’—can make all the difference. It’s the silent yet vital aspect of communication that often determines your success in leading others. While IQ can help you manage ideas and knowledge, EQ is what helps you manage people and relationships, which is essential for true leadership.

My Advice to the World: As you grow in your career, remember that it’s not just your knowledge or intelligence that will define your success. How you treat others, how you manage relationships, and how you lead with empathy are equally, if not more, important. Strive to understand, respect, and uplift those around you, and you’ll find that success follows naturally.

- Malindu Sandanuwan