Studies have shown that people with average IQs outperform people with high IQs 70 percent of the time, according to CIO.com.
In IT, according to the report, EQ — or emotional IQ — can help retain skilled workers in an industry where tech departments are generally understaffed. “Keeping skilled workers is critical and the data suggests the EQ of the leader affects retention,” said Adele B. Lynn, founder and owner of The Adele Lynn Leadership Group, in the report.
Emotional intelligence can be defined as one’s ability to understand emotions in one’s self and in others, as well as using this understanding to manage behavior and relationships, according to the report. Those with higher EQs can be stronger in team leaders, influencers and organizers, according to the report.
“The great thing about the technology field is that it attracts intelligent, passionate, interesting people, and I believe that, in general, the same openness to new ideas that attracts people to technology brings motivation, integrity and comfort with change — all elements of high EQ,” said Angela Yochem, CIO of BDP International, in the report.
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