The Real Value of Emotional Intelligence [Infographic]

When you were a kid in school your parents and teachers probably told you to get good grades and you would do well in life. Good grades are great, but it turns out they may not be enough to get you ahead in life. What has turned out to be even more important than your GPA and your IQ? Emotional intelligence.

Some studies show that the top 90% of job performers are individuals who have a high emotional quotient, or EQ, which is the measure of emotional intelligence. Those same studies show that the bottom 80% of job performers have a low EQ. In fact, a high IQ can mean an average of $29,000 more per year in earnings - or $1300 more per additional EQ point above average.

Human resources, government, and pharmaceutical employees tend to have the highest EQs, while many folks in the healthcare, IT, and sales fields report their colleagues might do better with a little more emotional intelligence. In fact, communication failure is the cause of 70% of hospital mishaps!