The Impact of EQ on Performance
A growing body of research is demonstrating the critical role that EQ plays in performance. One of the most important findings is related to the relative importance of IQ, technical ability, and EQ in predicting outstanding performance.
A LONG-TERM STUDY OF PH.D SCIENTISTS
In the 1960's researchers at the University of California started a project with a group of 85 Ph.D. candidates in various fields of science. They administered a variety of 
psychological assessments and IQ tests. They also did a series of intensive personal interviews.
Then they waited 40 years before following the group up!
After tracking these scientists down in the twilight of their careers, they ranked them with respect to overall their overall level career success and their personal prestige in their chosen scientific discipline.
Raw intelligence and technical proficiency were only marginally related to the study's targeted measures. This is not surprising, given the homogeneity of the group. They were all highly intelligent and educated. They were, after all, Ph.D. scientists.
The results indicated that social and emotional abilities were four times more important than raw intelligence and technical mastery in determining the scientists' ultimate success and prestige, qualities we now associate with EQ.
Then they waited 40 years before following the group up!
After tracking these scientists down in the twilight of their careers, they ranked them with respect to overall their overall level career success and their personal prestige in their chosen scientific discipline.
Raw intelligence and technical proficiency were only marginally related to the study's targeted measures. This is not surprising, given the homogeneity of the group. They were all highly intelligent and educated. They were, after all, Ph.D. scientists.
The results indicated that social and emotional abilities were four times more important than raw intelligence and technical mastery in determining the scientists' ultimate success and prestige, qualities we now associate with EQ.
HI-IQ PROFESSIONS:
DIFFERENTIATING STAR PERFORMERS
Subsequent studies have shown similar results.
Today's organizations require people from a wide range of professions, such as engineering, information systems, medicine, financial management, and a host of other disciplines.
Entering these professions requires specialized education and training. Given the intellectual demands of the required education, we can infer that successful graduates are blessed with high IQs.
Imagine a company filled with highly trained and intelligent professionals. Who among them will stand out as star performers? The findings indicate that EQ accounts for anywhere from 60 to 80% of the variance in differentiating star performers from the rest of the pack.
In short, IQ and training gets people a ticket into the arena. EQ determines how successfully they play the game.
Today's organizations require people from a wide range of professions, such as engineering, information systems, medicine, financial management, and a host of other disciplines.
Imagine a company filled with highly trained and intelligent professionals. Who among them will stand out as star performers? The findings indicate that EQ accounts for anywhere from 60 to 80% of the variance in differentiating star performers from the rest of the pack.
In short, IQ and training gets people a ticket into the arena. EQ determines how successfully they play the game.
EQ AND LEADERSHIP
With respect to leadership, EQ has become known as The 90% Factor. Study after study has demonstrated that EQ is critical for success as a leader.
The effect of EQ is so powerful that one international executive placement firm has learned that expertise and experience are not sufficient for a successful placement. On paper, candidates may appear to be a perfect fit for open positions. But if they lack EQ, they are highly likely to fail if placed in those positions. The company now screens candidates for EQ rigorously before accepting them as clients for job placement.
Go to EQ Research Overview
The effect of EQ is so powerful that one international executive placement firm has learned that expertise and experience are not sufficient for a successful placement. On paper, candidates may appear to be a perfect fit for open positions. But if they lack EQ, they are highly likely to fail if placed in those positions. The company now screens candidates for EQ rigorously before accepting them as clients for job placement.
Go to EQ Research Overview