This is determined as the ability to perceive, control and evaluate your emotions.
IQ is seen as relating to a persons “book smarts” as it were. in essence how well you perform in disciplines such as quantitative reasoning, general knowledge and reasoning. It forms the basis of what we would refer to in lay-mans terms as to how smart someone is.
Conversely EQ is seem as a persons “street smarts”. The ability a person has to identify emotions and recognise another persons feelings; ones ability to control their own emotions and relate to other people.
A number of studies have started to show just how important EQ is in terms of a measure for success in all facets of life, both at home and in the work place.
Focusing in on the work environment, it has been seen that people with a higher EQ tend to make better leaders or managers.
Think before reacting. In emotionally charged situations people with a higher EQ can step back and gain perspective over the situation without adding fuel to the fire which is vitally important.
Empathising with others and their feelings - being able to place yourself in another persons position and see where they are coming from.
A greater self awareness.