đŻ âEQ Over IQ?â Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Real Superpower in Life and Work
Ever met someone whoâs not the smartest in the room but somehow always knows what to say, when to say it, and how to keep their cool? Thatâs emotional intelligence at work.
Michael Koukos
7/30/20252 min read


đĄ What Is Emotional Intelligence, Really?
Emotional intelligenceâalso known as EQâisnât just about âbeing in touch with your feelings.â Itâs the superpower that helps you understand whatâs going on inside you, while also picking up on the emotions of the people around you. Itâs that quiet inner skill that often matters more than IQ when it comes to thriving in life, love, and work.
đ Why Emotional Intelligence Is a Big Deal
Whether youâre leading a team, navigating family drama, or just trying not to lose it in traffic, emotional intelligence makes all the difference.
In the workplace, people with high EQs are often the ones who:
Handle pressure like pros
Resolve conflicts without drama
Inspire and lead with empathy
Adapt quickly when things change (again)
In relationships, EQ means you can listen without interrupting, sense what someone else might be feeling, and respond instead of react. Itâs how deeper connections are builtâand how unnecessary chaos is avoided.
đ How to Grow Your Emotional Intelligence (Yes, You Can!)
The good news? Youâre not stuck with the emotional intelligence you were born with. Itâs a skill you can buildâlike a muscle.
Hereâs where to start:
đ§ Self-awareness
Pause and check in: âWhat am I feeling right now? Why?â When you can name it, you can manage it.
đ§ââď¸ Self-regulation
Reacting is easy. Responding takes skill. Next time youâre stressed or triggered, try slowing down your response. Count to five. Breathe.
đ Empathy
Ask yourself, âWhat might they be feeling?â Practicing empathy isnât about agreeingâitâs about understanding.
đ¤ Social skills
Smile. Listen. Speak clearly. Give honest, kind feedback. These basics go a long way in making your interactions smoother and more meaningful.
đĽ Motivation
Use your emotions as fuel. If something frustrates or excites you, let it guide you toward actionânot avoidance.
đ Why Itâs Worth It
IQ might land you a job, but EQ helps you keep itâand thrive. When you develop your emotional intelligence, you donât just boost your own mental well-being; you also become the kind of person others trust, admire, and want to be around.
Itâs not always easyâbut itâs always worth it.