There’s more to life than just being book-smart. That’s where emotional IQ tests come in.
Your emotional IQ — your ability to work well with people, to fit in and be happy — can be just as important.
Many experts argue that it’s important not to put too much stock solely in IQ test results. True, people who score well on IQ tests are more likely to be successful in academic situations. They usually process information quickly, and are good at problem-solving, at least logically or academically. But a high IQ test score is no guarantee of personal or professional success. Some experts now suggest that a high emotional intelligence may be a more significant factor in your long-term success than a high IQ.
Greater attention is now being paid to the IQ tests rooted in the concept of Emotional Intelligence — Emotional IQ (often called EQ or EI). Signs of a low EQ include poor stress management, having a thin skin and being susceptible to insults, holding grudges and ruminating about mistakes.
The good news is, there’s no lack of tests available on the internet, so it’s easy enough to find out how your EIQ measures up.
Emotional IQ: What Does It Mean To Me?
Emotional IQ is often described as people intelligence — your ability to work well with others, and your knowledge or comfort with your own emotional health. Though EQ is different than regular IQ, emotional IQ tests often use a similar scale for measurement:
50 Very low
70 Well below average
85 Low average
100 Average
130 High
150 Genius
You might have a genius IQ when it comes to academic intelligence, and still rank very low on an Emotional IQ test. The thing is, EQ is more important than you may realize. When it comes to predicting future success, healthy EQ scores are twice as important as high IQ scores.
Something to think about, indeed.
Emotional IQ Tests: How Will Knowing My Results Help Me?
Having a low Emotional IQ can impact many areas of your life. Others may view you as cold and distant, and you may dwell on any problems or worries in your life. People with a low EIQ often have a greater number of health problems, and their immune systems can be weakened. They can feel isolated and rejected, and they may be perceived by others as being critical or condescending.
Signs that you may have a low Emotional IQ include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Feeling pressured or under stress
- Low self esteem
- Guilt
The good news is that you can take steps to improve the health of your Emotional IQ. Learning how to recognize the state of your emotions, and finding better ways to deal with your feelings can help you achieve greater happiness personally, and in many cases, will enhance your career.
Mind Tools has some great suggestions for easy to improve your emotional intelligence. Things like examining your behaviors — how you react to stress and how you affect others, especially in the work place — can go a long way to increasing your EQ scores.
You can learn more about increasing your emotional intelligence at the Mind Tools site.
For a better understanding of the relationship between EQ, IQ and career success, there’s a great article from TalentSmart. You can learn more about the specific high EQ traits that can lead to more happiness and fulfilment, and ways to boost your own EQ.
With an improved EQ, you’ll understand yourself and others better, and you will enhance your relationships in both your professional and private lives.
How Do I l Learn My Emotional IQ?
Queendom has one of the great free Emotional IQ tests. The test is comprehensive, with 70 questions, and takes about 40 minutes to complete. The site offers a good explanation of the purpose of EIQ tests, as well as a solid report on your results.
And best of all, this is one of the Emotional IQ tests that is free of charge.
This online emotional IQ test from McGraw Hill asks just 8 questions, then helps you interpret your results according to specific categories (things like social skills, empathy and self-awareness). There’s a brief overview of the results, which might be helpful in understanding just where you stand. They also provide suggestions on ways you can improve your emotional intelligence abilities.
An excellent test for measuring Emotional Intelligence can be found at Psychology Today. In addition to a long, formal test, there is a shorter test that can be completed in in 5 to 10 minutes. There are only 17 questions, but the results are interesting and enlightening.
You can take this EQ test online free of charge, and without obligation.
If you’re the type of person who would prefer to take a longer, more comprehensive test, Psychology Today has an in-depth Emotional IQ test that’s likely to take 45 minutes to complete. This comprehensive EIQ test should answer all your questions about your own emotional intelligence. You’ll get a free snapshot report when you are done. If the report piques your interest, you can purchase a full, comprehensive assessment for $9.95 US.
Your Emotional IQ is an important part of your ability to feel comfortable with others, good about yourself, and, in general, to be happy! Exploring these tests can help you learn more about reaching your full emotional health potential.
Emotional IQ Tests: Learn More
Want to learn more about EQ? This article provides a great EQ overview. If you are more interested in general IQ testing, this page should answer your questions.
Having a low EQ is fixable, but it can lead to some challenging interpersonal relationships. If bullying is a factor in your life, you might want to check out bullydiaries.com.