Why HOW we act is every bit as important as WHAT we know.

“Character is higher than intellect” -?Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I first heard this quote about 3 years ago in Gorky Park, Moscow. I was engaged in a conversation with a middle-aged man which was impactful for me. Our conversation had developed and deepened over a shared interest in development and progression. Towards the conclusion of our conversation, he shared something that has stuck with me since – the sentiment of it was that we live in a world where people get respect because of what they know, rather than who they have become. He shared how he focuses on ‘becoming’ rather than ‘knowing’, caring more about who someone is than what they know. He then shared Emerson’s quote with me.?

In the past, intelligent individuals have held prestigious positions in society, from Greek and Roman philosophers through to the likes of Florence Nightingale and Einstein; even most recently with the likes of Elon Musk and Steve Jobs.

However, in my opinion, intelligence without character is nothing in leadership.?Without character?you cannot be trusted, and if you cannot be trusted you cannot lead. The etymology of ‘character’ comes from the Greek language, meaning "to make a mark", as such it could be argued that your character is your mark on the world.?

Many of the great thinkers, strategists and influential leaders throughout history are revered not only for their intelligence, but also the substance of their characters. Many strived to combine high IQ with high EQ for a transformational result. Whilst unfortunately this has not always been the case throughout human history, with dictatorial and overly authoritative approaches also displayed by some, leaving one’s ‘mark’ is not just about one’s ‘IQ’.?

In our quest to increase our emotional quotient, it is important that we continue to learn and grow, increasing our knowledge can build a platform to exercise well-informed emotional intelligence. There is a balance to EQ & IQ that takes time to perfect. But as I came to learn from my experience with the gentleman in Moscow, people often care deeper about who you are and who you are striving to become than simply what you know.?

So, the question I pose in reflection of your personal development: where’s your focus? A development of character or a development of knowledge and intellect?

IQ combined with EQ is powerful.

In short, we are human beings. Having a character that is kind and genuine with a service orientation to other human beings will increase the influence we can have on others and the world. Acquiring knowledge adds substance and knowledge to our character.

Written by: Ryan Spoors