"Si vos capacités émotionnelles ne sont pas maîtrisées, si vous n'avez pas de conscience de vous-même, si vous n'êtes pas capable de gérer vos émotions pénibles, si vous ne pouvez pas avoir d'empathie et établir des relations efficaces, alors peu importe vo"

Being smart is great, but there’s more to life and success than just having a high IQ. Think about it: if you can't manage your emotions, if you're not aware of how you feel and how it affects others, and if you can't connect with people on an emotional level, all that brainpower won't take you very far. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is what really helps you get ahead.

The idea that emotional intelligence is crucial isn't new. This quote comes from Daniel Goleman, a psychologist who popularized the concept of EQ in the mid-90s. He stressed that while cognitive skills like math or problem-solving are important, emotional skills are equally, if not more, vital in the real world. People often think that being smart automatically ensures success, but that's not the whole picture. Think about situations where people know what they should do but fail to act effectively because they can’t handle their emotions. Goleman argued that being aware of your emotions and managing them well is key to forming strong relationships and achieving goals.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine you're a brilliant software engineer at a tech company—top of your class, always coming up with innovative solutions. However, you struggle with feedback. Your manager gives you some constructive criticism, but instead of taking it on board, you get defensive and upset. You might even lash out or shut down completely. Your colleagues notice this and start avoiding giving you feedback, fearing your reaction. Over time, this lack of communication and your inability to handle criticism stall your growth. Despite your talent, you might find yourself bypassed for promotions or key projects. Why? Because emotional intelligence—handling criticism, showing empathy, and building effective relationships—is just as important as your technical skills.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by working on your self-awareness. Pay attention to your emotional reactions and what triggers them. When you feel a strong emotion, take a moment to breathe and think before you react. Develop empathy by genuinely trying to understand other people’s perspectives. Practice active listening—don’t just wait for your turn to speak. And remember, building strong relationships is about consistent, positive interactions. It’s not just about being pleasant when things are going well, but also about being supportive and understanding when times are tough.

Here’s a story to bring it home. Picture Jane, a project manager at a bustling marketing firm. She's smart, no doubt about it, but she used to struggle with managing stress and understanding her team’s needs. When deadlines loomed, she’d become frantic, barking orders and shutting down any suggestions that weren’t her own. Her team didn’t just dislike working with her; they dreaded it. One day, a mentor pulled her aside and talked to her about emotional intelligence. Jane started small—she practiced deep breathing exercises to manage stress and began really listening to her team. She paid attention to their strengths and concerns and showed genuine appreciation for their efforts. Over time, her team’s productivity and morale improved significantly. They worked harder and better because they felt valued and understood. And Jane? She earned their respect and trust, proving that emotional intelligence can make all the difference.

In short, your smarts can get you in the door, but it’s your emotional intelligence that keeps you in the room. So next time you find yourself in a tough spot, remember: it’s not just about what you know, but how you connect and manage emotions – both yours and others’. That’s what will truly get you far.