EQ Beats IQ. Every Time.

In corporate America, we reward intelligence, degrees, certifications, and expertise. But after thirty years in leadership and another thirty in counseling, I’ve seen a consistent truth: emotional intelligence at work outranks raw IQ every time. Today, information is at our fingertips, not just stored in our brains.

I once supervised a brilliant engineer, top of his class, unmatched technically. But no one wanted to work with him. He corrected people mid-sentence, dismissed ideas too quickly, and reacted defensively to feedback.

His intelligence opened the door, but his emotional immaturity closed it.

Compare that with another engineer who lacked the same academic credentials but possessed exceptional emotional awareness. He listened, stayed calm under pressure, and made people feel valued. When conflict arose, he brought clarity rather than chaos. His team would run through walls for him.

Who got promoted?

Not the genius.

The leader.

This is why leadership skills today are built on emotional intelligence, not just talent. High EQ means you can regulate your reactions, read the room, adjust your approach, and create trust. Teams follow leaders who make them feel centered, safe, seen, and productive.

When companies hire me to speak, I remind them:

IQ may get you the job. Emotional intelligence determines how far you’ll rise.

Watch for the blind spots.

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Author Jerry D. Clark has faced life’s challenges and created strategies for success—he’s eager to share his insights with you! 🎯