by Jen Campbell, Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner
Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Emotional Quotient (EQ) are frequently used interchangeably. Most people don't know that they are not the same thing.
Emotional Intelligence includes a wide range of skills, such as emotional self-awareness, impulse control, empathy, interpersonal skills, and stress management. Those who consistently use EI recognize and understand their emotions and the impact on others. The key is to use this information to guide your behaviors and interactions in all your relationships. Unlike one's personality, EI can be developed and improved with training, intentionality, and practice.
Emotional Quotient is how one's Emotional Intelligence is measured. EQ assessments are designed to measure how often you consistently show EI. The score is usually derived from a set of standardized questions or tasks that are designed to assess different aspects of emotional intelligence.
If you were to search for 'free EQ assessments', you would see dozens of tests and self-assessments. Beware, they are likely not rooted in science. The EQ-i assessment was the first scientifically validated EI assessment. My clients consistently praise the accuracy of their scores in each of the 15 EI skills.
So the next time you hear, Emotional Intelligence, think, the set of skills and abilities related to emotions. When you see EQ or Emotional Quotient, remember it is the numerical score that reflects a person's level of emotional intelligence.