EQ Surprise #3 – The EQ-i Shock Block

EQ-i Scores—and not just low ones—can be shocking at first

The first time I took the EQ-i, I was excited to get my report. I had worked in the field a while—trained, keynoted and written a few books. I was going to blow this thing away. I got the report via e-mail, and when I looked at it, I was actually pretty shocked. I was in the “Moderate/Average” zone on most of the elements, low in a couple of things and high in only a few. I was fashioning myself a star performer and here was the report card that was supposed to prove it, and I was stinking up the joint. I actually found the experience to be quite diminishing.

An EQ-i Best Practice

I have come to understand that the more people inflate the value of scores alone, the greater the likelihood that they will be shocked by the scores once they get them. One way to ensure that people are not jolted into inaction is to discuss the EQ-i model in full before they get their results. If people know the EQ elements up front, including what low and high engagement of each looks and sounds like, and upon reflection of this content, even do a little self-assessment—all prior to getting their results back, they will be much better prepared to understand, even predict their scores and to put the data to work.

Whether working one-on-one or with a group, I would do some work up front with clients to make the introduction to and reception of EQ-i results less numbers-focused and shocking. Otherwise, the shock off the data will be diminishing and may squash the enthusiasm or openness they had to do EQ work in the first place.

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 #2 – Forget Your Emotional Intelligence Scores
• 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