4th Industrial Revolution:
Reason why EQ will supersede IQ!
 
The world is on a cusp of change- the very notion of ‘Human Being’ is being molded. In no time, the difference between a human and a robot (read- between natural and artificial) would be unfathomable. We are in the early stages on Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which is diluting the distinction between physical, digital and biological systems by bringing the three together.  
According to World Economic Forum, transition led by 4IR is changing the mix of skills required for workplace progression. Emotional Quotient (EQ) was ranked sixth in the WEF’s list of top 10 skill-set required by 2020 to thrive in work-life.
Fact!
Emergence of the concept of Emotional Intelligence or Emotional Quotient (EQ) shattered the long-standing myth that Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was the sole determinant and source of success. EQ helped explained the anomaly why people with average IQs outperformed those with the highest IQs 70% of the times.
What is EQ?
The term Emotional Quotient was coined by two researchers- Peter Salavoy and John Mayer and popularized by Dan Goleman in his 1996 book – “Emotional Intelligence”.
EQ refers to the ability of a person to recognize, manage and control his emotions while possessing the capability to understand, influence and manage the emotions of others as well.
EQ, thus, means being cognizant of the fact that emotions can impact others-both positively and negatively and learning how to manage emotions- both ours and of others.
How is EQ different from IQ?
IQ is a person’s ability to learn and it remains the same whether at 20 years of age or at 50 years. On the other hand, EQ can be acquired and improved at any age. This certainly gives us some reason to cheer up! While some people are naturally more emotionally intelligent than others, we can develop higher EQ through practice and mindfulness.
Further, EQ and IQ are mutually exclusive. That means, the level of IQ in a person is no valid estimation of a person’s EQ. A person with a high IQ may have a low EQ and vice-versa.
What is EQ made up of?
EQ comprises of 4 core skills- self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management, paired up under two fundamental competencies- personal competence and social competence.
Personal competence- It focusses on an individual rather than on his social interactions. It comprises of self-awareness and self-management skills. Self-awareness skill pertains to the ability to recognize your emotions and how they impact others. Self- Management skills refer to the ability to use the awareness of your emotions to positively direct your behavior.
Social competence- It comprises of social awareness and relationship management skills. Social awareness is the capability to recognize and understand other people’s emotions and Relationship management is the capacity to use the awareness of your emotions and other people’s emotion to manage relationships effectively.
Why is EQ important?
Emerging technology breakthroughs in arenas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy storage, and quantum computing is causing net displacement of workers by machines (read automation) and has the potential to exacerbate already existent inequalities between high and low-skilled workers . In the future, talent, more than capital, will be the critical factor of production, which means only the providers of intellectual and physical capital will be the net beneficiaries of 4IR.
In such circumstances, there’s no denying that EQ will acquire paramount importance. Technology will be able to replicate human intelligence but not human emotions. And here’s the catch- to survive and flourish in the era of 4IR, humans will have to enhance their EQ.
How is EQ important?
EQ is the foundation of a slew of critical skills such as decision-making, time management, stress tolerance, trust, anger management, social skills, accountability, customer service, communication and team work. Besides affecting recruitment, promotion and firing decisions of employers, EQ will be the most important skill in leadership.
Multiple research studies have reinforced the fact that the employees with high EQ are more likely to succeed than those with high IQs or relevant experience. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is therefore the Emotional Intelligence Revolution!!
Cause for Alarm? Here’s how you can increase your EQ!! Incorporate six pillars of EQ in your life- self-awareness, empathy, self-management, motivation, social skills and happiness. Once imbibed and repeated, you will be able to conceive and nurture more intimate personal and workplace relationships while widening the horizons of your professional growth drastically.