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Brains & Bonds: Why EQ + IQ is the Ultimate Office Combo

You’ve probably heard this line: “IQ gets you hired, but EQ gets you promoted.” Sounds filmy, right? But it’s 100% true. 

Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for our daily work life—no jargon, just simple talk.

What’s the Difference?

IQ is your brain’s CPU. It helps you solve maths problems, crack exams, or finish your Excel sheet without touching Google.

EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is your people power. It helps you stay calm when your manager is shouting, understand why your teammate is sulking, and say things in a way that doesn’t sound rude—even when you're frustrated.

Real Life Example

Imagine two colleagues:

  • Ravi is super smart. He can finish reports in record time. But he’s also super blunt. If someone makes a mistake, he’ll say, “You clearly don’t know your job.” No filter. Working with him? Headache 24/7.
  • Ram is also smart—but in a different way. He gives honest feedback but in a nice way. He listens, encourages the team, and stays calm even when things go wrong. Everyone loves working with him.

Now, who do you think will become the manager? Yep, Ram—because people skills > just brain power.

Why EQ Wins at Work

In school and college, IQ helps. You top the class, crack entrance exams, get placed in a big company. Great!

But in the real world—especially in Indian offices filled with deadlines, gossip, client drama, and boss moods—EQ helps you survive and shine.

  • It helps you stay calm when you have back-to-back meetings and your boss adds an “urgent call.”
  • It helps you Sort out team issues without yelling..
  • It helps you stay calm when your app crashes just before the demo.

Good News: They Can Be Improved!

You can build them with practice—just like learning to make round chapatis.

Here’s how:

Even if your natural brainpower doesn’t change much, you can still make your mind sharper. Think of IQ like a car engine—you may not change the engine, but with practice, you can learn to drive better and faster.

Regarding Your EQ:

  1. Listen more: Don’t just wait to speak. Try to really understand what the other person is saying—even if it’s your manager repeating the same thing again.
  2. Pause before reacting: Next time your internet crashes during a Zoom call, take a deep breath, instead of slamming your laptop shut.
  3. Be kind: If a teammate looks down, just ask, “You okay?” It goes a long way.

But Here’s the Twist…

While EQ is amazing, it’s not a solo hero. IQ and EQ together make the real dream team.

  • EQ helps you handle people and emotions smartly.
  • IQ gives you the brainpower to solve everyday problems and think clearly.

So no, it’s not a battle of brain vs. heart—it’s about using both. 

In short, you need:

  • Head to understand the world
  • Heart to connect with it

Balance is the real superpower.

Final Thoughts

IQ might get you the job—but EQ helps you grow, lead, and actually enjoy your work life.

·        IQ is knowing how to make a PowerPoint.

·        EQ is knowing to keep it short so your team doesn’t doze off.

In the end, we all want to work with people who understand us—not just boss us around. So, let’s be a little more human, a little more understanding—and a lot more emotionally smart.

Because no one likes working with a walking-talking Google search that makes them feel small.

 


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