The 4 Most Important Quotients

According to Psychologists, there are four types of Intelligence:

1) Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
2) Emotional Quotient (EQ)
3) Social Quotient (SQ)
4) Adversity Quotient (AQ)

Most people asked, which is more important in managing talents currently. It is crucial that both HR Personnel and Business Owners are able to know about these 4Qs and how they can use this to adapt in their business and/or teams

First and foremost, let’s see what each quotient means

1. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

IQ measures one’s level of comprehension. One will need IQ to solve technical matters, memorize things, and recall lessons. These usually can be learn and with time, one gets better with the application of the technical component.

2. Emotional Quotient (EQ)

EQ measures one’s ability to be able to regulate one’s emotions in order to be able to express one’s emotions in a healthy manner, setting and respecting boundaries in order to work with others effectively. EQ also refers to but not limited to one being responsible, being accountable while having empathy, compassion and courage to be firm at the same time.

3. Social Quotient (SQ)

SQ measures one’s ability to build a network of friends and/or colleagues. In addition, one can maintain the network over a long period of time. This measure one’s ability to work and adapt within team and yet able to bond and hold the team together which include the ability to communicate and to work with the team through ups and downs.

4. The Adversity Quotient (AQ)

AQ measures one’s ability to go through down time in in life, able to work while going through dark and challenging times including unexpected adverse changes or failures but yet able to overcome them without giving up or losing one’s mind.

Where are we now?

1. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

In the past, the focus has always been on IQ and this is evidenced from most formal education system. Technical specialists are no longer a big requirement of work force as we can see the staff requirements are being shifted away from IQ replaced partly with the technological advancement such as Artificial Intelligence, Google, Chatbots, Robots and Computers. Accessing knowledge base has become simple and fast with technological advancement.

2. Emotional Quotient (EQ)

Many staffs find it hard to regulate and express their emotions in a healthy manner, especially when there are conflicts or challenging matters without being reactive. EQ is now the most important component, and it will lead to be able to handle both SQ and AQ too. EQ is the character component of a person which is the most important. When hiring, most will also hire for EQ more than IQ. As the quote says, “A person’s Attitude (EQ) determine their Altitude (Level of Success) in life”.

3. Social Quotient (SQ)

The new workforce is a generation that face numerous challenges in socializing and to work with each other as a team. ‘Face to face’ communication itself is extremely challenging for many as many prefer social or text messaging instead of having team meetings to bring up issues and resolve amicably. Many staffs also resist managing people and/or prefer to work alone. Many are struggling to initiate tough conversations, handling, and managing team conflicts in a way that works. This is where SQ comes into the picture.

4. The Adversity Quotient (AQ)

Nowadays failure is a dirty word. Many just want to be successful and trying to bypass the law of nature leading to disappointments and breakdowns. Managing adversities (AQ) is also an important component where managers and owners do not make mistakes and/or failures wrong and taking it as an opportunity to grow. Certainly, companies must have risk mitigation and internal control to manage the extend of the failures and/or mistakes.

What is next given the above?

Hiring: Look for Staffs with higher EQ and SQ as this group will be able to go further in life than those with a high IQ.

Managers/Leaders Position: High IQ Staffs are also less relevant except for highly technical positions. In addition, High IQ people are generally being employed and led by managers of high EQ and SQ even though he has an average IQ. Attitude is more important than knowledge. In short, EQ represents one’s Attitude and Character.

Teamwork: Your SQ represents your Team Adaptability and/or Charisma. Build in social activities and bonding activities occasionally that includes common experiences sharing such as team building, sport activities, outings that promotes teamwork.

Handling Problem: AQ determines who will give up, breakdown, run away or abandon their role and go missing when troubles and/or issues arise. Find ways to handle adversities in a healthy manner including case study, debrief or huddles.

Training Focus: Put budget to grow your teams on EQ, SQ and AQ in your training and team building.

How InTune Outsourcing Can Support SME Business Owners?

InTune Outsourcing is one of the Malaysia’s Most Advanced and Top Outsourced Accounting, Finance, HR and Payroll services providers.

We have served more than 400 clients todate and InTune offer full-range services from start up to small to medium-sized companies.

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We can also help in preparing Budgets too as part of our Consultancy Package.