Why EQ, Not Just IQ, Will Define Success in 2026
#corporateleadershipcoaching #elephantintheroomworkshop #emotionalintelligencedevelopment #eqtrainingforbusiness #executivecoaching #highperformanceleadership #leadershipdevelopmentprograms #selfawarenessforleaders #teamtrainingforleaders Dec 09, 2025A few years ago, I participated in a workplace quiz. In the first round, my team breezed through general knowledge questions with confidence. But as the quiz went on, the questions got trickier.
The turning point came when we faced a question about the Tour de France—a subject I’ve followed for years but wouldn’t call myself an expert in. I took a guess: Greg LeMond. To my surprise, it was the correct answer. A lucky break, right?
This moment perfectly captures the difference between IQ and EQ.
IQ is straightforward: You either know the answer, or you don’t. It’s clear-cut, a true or false proposition.
EQ, however, is nuanced: What’s “right” for one person might not be “right” for another. Emotional intelligence isn't about facts. It’s about understanding emotions, building relationships, and recognising the impact of behaviour in a dynamic, ever-changing world.
Why EQ Matters More Than Ever
As we look ahead to 2026, being a leader—or even thriving as an employee—has never been more complex. The pace of change and uncertainty in the modern world demands a level of emotional agility that IQ alone can’t provide.
To succeed, leaders and professionals must proactively cultivate their emotional intelligence. Here’s why:
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Blind Spots in Behaviour Destroy Trust: Trust is built over time, but it can be shattered in an instant, especially in fast-paced environments where trust is essential for collaboration and success.
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EQ Fuels Conscious Leadership: Leaders with high EQ are keenly aware of how their actions influence others, particularly in high-pressure situations. They are able to lead with empathy and self-awareness.
The leaders I work with already have solid leadership skills, but they’ve realised that their emotional intelligence is key—not just for managing teams but for navigating moments that demand sharp focus and strong self-awareness.
EQ Can Be Learned
Unlike IQ, which is largely set in our formative years, emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed throughout our lives. But here’s the catch: we often leave our EQ to chance. The evidence is clear, though—those who actively invest in developing their emotional intelligence see greater success.
So, how can you tell if someone’s EQ needs work? A good sign is when they believe there’s nothing left for them to learn. In reality, anyone who claims full self-awareness is probably missing something. That’s because emotions often cloud our perspective in ways we’re not equipped to notice.
Think of emotion as dye in water: it colours everything. In moments of stress, frustration, or fear, our ability to make sound, empathetic decisions can become impaired. Recognising and managing these emotions is where EQ truly shines.
For Those Looking to Strengthen Their EQ
If you’re eager to enhance your emotional intelligence, I offer a 6-hour, EQ Foundation Programme, designed to help you:
- Understand how your brain may naturally limit your emotional intelligence.
- Identify patterns that might be influencing your decisions and behaviours.
- Build practical strategies for boosting your EQ in real-life situations.
If you're interested, feel free to reach out via email for more details.
As we navigate the complexities of leadership and collaboration in 2026, one thing is clear: IQ might get you through the door, but EQ will determine whether you succeed or not.
Looking to shift how your team shows up?
Check out Elephant in the Room ā€” our signature training programme for teams ready to build trust, speak honestly, and perform at a higher level.
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