EQ Surprise #2 – Forget Your Emotional Intelligence Scores

Scores are Overrated

“My Assertiveness score is 112. My Emotional Intelligence beats yours by 7 points,” or “Last time I took the EQ-i, I got an Independence score of 95. Next time it’s going to be higher.”

Too often EQ-i users get hooked by their scores, and by so doing, miss the fruit that this great tool and process have to offer. A way too common mistake is believing that high EQ-i scores are good and that low EQ-i scores are bad. Again, this overplays the power of the scores and shrouds from too many people the real value in engaging their Emotional Intelligence.

I urge everyone taking the EQ-i to derive their top three elements (their most developed assets) and their bottom three (the elements from which they would benefit if more often engaged or better developed). These top and bottom three elements should be chosen independent of score—individual low scores may not be a problem; high scores could reflect overdone elements, and sometimes a top element will be, score-wise, something buried in the middle. The EQ-i report form should be used as a very important data point, but not the deciding factor.

Picking Top and Bottom EQ-i Elements

Once someone has his/her top and bottom three elements selected, the question is how they can use their strengths to help activate, develop or exercise one or more of their bottom elements. EQ work should be specific, tactical and action-based, and we all have development work to do. Over-emphasis on the numbers lets high scores off the hook and puts low scores, perhaps unduly, in the cross-hairs.

As odd as it sounds, step away from your EQ-i scores and concentrate on your Emotional Intelligence.

For a deeper dive on Emotional Intelligence and its application, consider OKA’s EQ Workbook, by Hile Rutledge, 

and learn more about OKA’s EQ-i Certification classes.

OKA can also support your team or program with Emotional Intelligence workshops (online or onsite), 360 assessment programs and individual coaching.

Other Blogs in this Series

This blog is Part of a 7-part series of EQ surprises and tips. Below are links to the other titles in the series. Enjoy the exploration.

• EQ Surprise #1 — There is no Emotional Intelligence on a Desert Island
• EQ Surprise #3 – The EQ-i Shock Block
• EQ Surprise #4 – EQ Deficiencies are Hard to Work On
• EQ Surprise #5 – The Most Important EQ-i Elements are the Toughest to Move
• EQ Surprise #6 – You Can’t Dial Back and Overdone Strength
• EQ Surprise #7 – Small Changes in Behavior Make Big Differences in EQ