Teams: EQ vs IQ

The start-up workplace is very unlike the traditional office that existed even 15 years ago. It looks different, it feels different and definitely operates extreme differently. Teams spend a significant amount of time together, not just professionally but socially as well. Team building exercises, team retreats, lunches, dinners and happy hours are now fairly standard across the start-up environment.

The underlying tone at any start-up is the hunger and drive for success and to make it big. This drive is a combined with a dynamic business environment that puts teams and people under pressure to deliver results, as quickly as possible. Start-ups often must make team decisions based on a member’s EQ and IQ skills. The general (dare I say, now in the past?) perception is that high IQ teams will make smarter decisions to stay one step ahead of the competition. However, teams hired while only focusing on IQ (and not EQ) could potentially be harmful to a business’ future growth prospects, especially when it comes to teamwork.

EQ is a strong component in how people interact with one another, ultimately establishing and sustaining a strong work culture. What traits can help identify potential hires with a high EQ?

Individual Awareness

Individuals who are comfortable with their emotional disposition, realize that no-one is perfect. This helps in the management of strengths and shortfalls, enabling people to perform to best of their potential in various situations. In addition, self-awareness also translates into being conscious of the impression left on others, influencing how individuals and teams are perceived.

Self-Regulation

Awareness of one’s emotions enable people to regulate their reactions to various situations, reducing disruptive emotions. Understanding the why behind certain emotions can control passionate decisions and responses – that can have long lasting consequences. This helps individuals to adapt to changing situations while taking responsibility for their own actions.

Internal Motivation

Highly motivated people possess clear goals combined with a positive attitude – translating into an ability to replace negative tendencies with sheer optimism. Internal motivation directly sways the initiative displayed by individuals - resulting in the emergence of the Adversity Quotient, known as AQ or resilience. Resilience in founders and teams is a common denominator in the scale and growth of any start-up.

Empathy

The ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes is vital to form and manage effective relationships. Empathy is directly related to how individuals perceive and react in specific situations, basis the emotions and responses of people around them. This leads to a better understanding of others and the cultivation of opportunities through diversity and anticipation.

Social Skills

Communication. Leadership. Conflict management. Relationship management. Teamwork. Influencing skills. All factors of individuals with strong social skills. All factors key in creating a work environment conducive to team and company growth. Team members who listen and respond appropriately can guide and inspire others, uniting teams through persuasion and negotiation – designing a positive work culture, no matter the size of your team.

While IQ is very important for any company, after a certain threshold, EQ has proven to be twice as important as IQ or technical skills. In todays dynamic environment, the ability to maintain composure (aka level headedness) allows a steady perspective that cultivates a innovative, more agile mindset – the center for any successful business.