Why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) matters more than ever now?
In today’s whirlwind of digital interaction, mastering the less known and under-estimated emotional intelligence (EQ) has never been more critical. It’s easy to forget that behind every screen, there’s a human being, with feelings, fears, and dreams just like us. As we all navigate through this digital age, the art of understanding, managing, and expressing our emotions in a healthy way is a beacon of hope for preserving the essence of what makes us human.
EQ isn’t just about being aware of our own emotions; it’s about recognizing the feelings of others, even when our interactions are mediated by screens. It's about reading between the lines of a text message, understanding the silence behind an unanswered call, or the story behind a seemingly happy social media post. Emotional intelligence is our guide in a world where digital communication often overshadows face-to-face interactions, helping us to stay connected and empathetic towards one another.
Let me share a story that hit close to home and highlighted the importance of EQ in today’s world. A news article once recounted the life of a man who had died alone in his luxurious house. This individual, described as a once vibrant and successful businessman, was depicted as a person who gradually retreated into a world of digital isolation, alcohol, and money betting, substituting real-world interactions with online connections. Weeks went by before he was found, a discovery made purely by accident. This tragic tale is in my mind a stark reminder of what’s at stake when we let our digital lives overshadow our real ones.
This story struck a chord with me, emphasizing how essential it is to remain emotionally intelligent and connected in an increasingly digital world. It was truly a wake-up call for me and a big warning sign towards my own kids, to look up from our screens and check in on our friends, family, and even acquaintances. It’s about making a real effort to understand and connect with the people around us, beyond the superficial exchanges that digital communication often offers.
Emotional intelligence prompts us to ask deeper questions, to engage in more meaningful conversations, and to be present for those who might be struggling in silence. It challenges us to be better listeners, more empathetic friends, and more understanding strangers. In a world where you can ‘Like,' 'Comment,' and 'Share,' EQ reminds us of the importance of loving, speaking, and caring in the most human way possible.
The lesson here for me is this: As digital interactions continue to shape how we relate to each other, let’s not forget the power of emotional intelligence. Let’s use it to break through the digital wall and reach out to those who might be feeling isolated or forgotten. By mastering EQ, we can ensure that our most natural human traits—compassion, empathy, and connection—remain vibrant and alive, making sure that no one faces silence alone.
In the end, emotional intelligence is more than just a skill, so let’s hold onto it, nurture it, and use it to weave a stronger, more connected human ‘‘broderie’’, one interaction at a time.
NB: If you had not heard of the term EQ before, I wanted to point you to one key publication which has significantly stressed the value of developing and mastering emotional intelligence over the traditional intellectual quotient (IQ). Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and science journalist, brought the concept of emotional intelligence to the forefront with his groundbreaking book, "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ," published in 1995, that I personally recommend.
In his book, Goleman argues that emotional intelligence (EQ) — the ability to manage our own emotions and understand and influence the emotions of others — is a critical factor that sets star performers apart in any field, including business, leadership, and personal relationships. He presents a compelling case for the importance of EQ, backed by research and examples that demonstrate how emotional intelligence impacts success and happiness, often more profoundly than IQ.
Fascinatingly, Goleman's "Emotional Intelligence" seems to have sparked a paradigm shift, challenging the conventional wisdom that IQ is the sole measure of potential. It has opened up a broader understanding of what it means to be intelligent and how emotional competencies can enhance our lives including our children, relatives and friends.
