Intellect without Emotional Intelligence
– the consequences
Intellect without Emotional Intelligence
Have you ever come across someone who is an smart as a whip, has huge amounts of knowledge, but is about as interesting and effective as a lump of dirt? Oh sure, they may get the job done, technically.
But is this good enough in our current semi-dysfunctional world? I’d love to hear your opinion, but first may I lay our what I have seen and experienced over a 50 year professional life?
These people are everywhere, and unfortunately seem to gravitate into influential positions as consultants and management, often promoted from within an organisation without having any real training for the job.
Our modern world seems like it has to be “evidence based”, from politics, to education, to science, and dare I say it, even parenting. But is it safe to do that? Is it safe to go and complete a degree in any topic and then use this credential to run your organisation?
Why is this such a problem?
Because ALL organizations are driven by people, no matter what job description. And if your people can’t communicate, are not self-aware or importantly are not aware of the needs and values drivers of others, productivity suffers.
Some of the largest human studies ever conducted, including the Harvard Grant Study, the British Cohort Studies and the Whitehall Study ALL proved the value of recognition of individuals as the basis of higher productivity, lower resistance to change and far better mental and physical health.
Emotional intelligence is a concept that has become increasingly popular in the last few years. It is an essential component of successful interpersonal skills and relationships with others. But how can it make a difference in our interactions with those around us?
Simply put, emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the ability to recognize, understand, and respond to the emotions of those around us. It is a kind of social intelligence that helps us navigate our way through life and interact with others in a more effective and meaningful way.
When we don’t use emotional intelligence in our interactions with people, we can create a number of problems. For starters, we cannot properly recognize the emotions that are being expressed by the other person. This also applies to communication, in its many forms.
This can lead to misinterpretations of the situation, resulting in confusion, frustration and even misdirected anger. You may also be unable to respond to the emotions that have been expressed in an appropriate manner, resulting in further misunderstandings.
When we lack emotional intelligence in our interactions, we may not be able to empathize with the other person. We may also be unable to effectively manage our own emotions, resulting in outbursts or unintended conflict. This can lead to a breakdown in communication and a lack of trust between both parties.
Another super problem caused is the Imposter Syndrome where we feel inadequate for the task. Underpinned by poor self-image and exacerbated by a lower level of self-awareness, the Imposter Syndrome can undo a promising career in a single moment of doubt.
“Intellect without emotional intelligence is the equivalent of a blunt sword!”
Emotional intelligence is an essential skill for navigating relationships and communicating effectively with those around us. It enables us to respond to the emotions of others in an appropriate manner, as well as to understand and manage our own emotions. Without it, our interactions can become strained, resulting in confusion and hurt feelings, and eventually broken relationships, which affect all parts of our lives.
Fortunately, emotional intelligence is something that can be developed and improved with practice. It is important to take the time to reflect on our interactions and to be aware of the emotions being expressed by those around us. We can also learn how to better recognize, understand, and respond to our own emotions, as well as the emotions of those around us.
By doing so, we can ensure that our interactions are more effective and meaningful.
When we don’t use emotional intelligence in our interactions, we can inadvertently create a number of problems, especially in a workplace where productivity, inclusivity and a lot of lost days through mental and physical health problems.
Thankfully, it is something that can be developed and improved with practice and reflection.
If you find that your interactions with others are becoming strained, it may be time to take a look at your level of emotional intelligence, and assess and recruit staff at all levels from a perspective of emotional intelligence.
Relying on intellect without emotional intelligence is a recipe for disaster, personally and in any organization!
What do you think? What has your experience been? Please leave your comments and questions below!
For more useful information and to join the EQ2030 Global Family at https://www.eq2030.com
Additional reading:
The Neuro-Com Program, Gary W. Johnston
Triumphs of Experience: The Men of the Harvard Grant Study, George E. Valliant
The Life Project: The Extraordinary Story of our Ordinary Lives, Helen Pearson
The Whiitehall Study, https://unhealthywork.org/classic-studies/the-whitehall-study/