Questions:  Is Intelligence Quotient (IQ) an inborn quality of an individual? And isn’t Emotional Quotient (EQ) an innate characteristic of people who are naturally strong mentally? My answer: Yes, to some extent. However, I must say elevation of both scores can be cultivated in progression by way of intensive training, tailored to suit various age groups from children to adults. Preferably, such training should commence when young in order to be more efficaciously ingrained.

I always promulgate that high IQ is genetically inherent in a “sharp-minded” person up to a minor extent. But such could be groomed organically to greater heights by undergoing well-structured personal development processes. Some programmes focus on building the cognitive (consciousness) ability of youngsters up to 17 years old. The modules include guidance for enhancing memory, better academic performance, creativity etc. These are aimed at elevating their IQ level.

I also promulgate that an individual possessing high EQ is one endowed with immaculate discernment, i.e. one who can make wise decisions. One popular EQ centric model encapsulates self and peripheral (surrounding) awareness courses besides bolstering interaction /relationship capabilities. Topics on projecting perception, understanding of cause and effect, paradigm shifts, vision extrapolation etc. are among the syllabus. In essence, the model trains participants to adopt holism in assessing a broad scope of related elements impacting any particular subject.

No doubt impeccable knowledge that germinates sharp skills may serve as a fulcrum for attainments in an endeavour, yet another set of vital essences – that of right attitude cum right habits – is essential in order to achieve true overall success. A person who is endowed with immaculate knowledge and skills (high IQ) to execute his mission will not make much headway without manifesting the right attitude and habits (reflecting resolute EQ), simply because the prevailing attitude and habits of an individual either beckons him to spur on or hold back the actions for driving forward. On the other hand, a person imbued with positive mental attitude and good habits but without the relevant knowledge and skills will also not make noticeable headway, simply because he does not know how to tread the intended path with certainty.

Although intelligence (pertaining to IQ) and wisdom (pertaining to EQ) are somewhat akin in the mental faculty, yet they inhibit polar differences. Many people focus on sharpening their alertness and quick-mindedness by undergoing brain-training activities. However, they side step – whether consciously or unconsciously – the vitality of holism as a quality contributing to wisdom. High IQ helps to grasp specific facts or ideas quickly with accuracy whereas high EQ encapsulates discernment ability pertaining to management of issues and dealings with other people. IQ pins on the micro aspects of the mental faculty for meting out specific task performance whilst EQ facilitates the macro (all related elements) understanding of any situation, necessary for arriving at sound decisions.

People commonly consider efficiency is akin to effectiveness in terms of impact to a task. They think being efficient brings about effective results, and being effective means being efficient (or tip-top, so to speak) in work. Is that really so? Now, please reflect on the following proverbial expressions to conclude whether you agree with me: An efficient worker does things in the right way, but those things may not be the right ones to be carried out in the first place. An effective worker knows how to do the right things, however may not necessarily know how to execute these in the right way. Only a protagonist possessing the right IQ and EQ is expedient to do the right things in the right way each time to attain astuteness. He needs to assimilate both the micro and macro (or holistic) perspectives.

To conclude, here are quotes for you to ponder on:

·         Intelligence leads you. Wisdom guides you.

 

·         An intelligent man feels he knows a subject matter sufficiently. A wise man knows there are still more things to learn on the same subject.

 

·        An intelligent man gives advice spontaneously. A wise man gives inputs only when all options are considered.

 

·        An intelligent man grasps what is said. A wise man grasps what is unsaid.

 

·        An intelligent man views an issue according to his personal experience within his realm. A wise man perceives an issue as related to other relevant issues outside his realm.

 

Intelligence garners some attainments, but wisdom achieves better impact. However, intelligence coupled with wisdom can hit immaculate outcomes.

 

·       He who feels he knows all the answers have not asked all the questions.

 

·TTo know what you know about a subject, and also know what you don’t know about it – that’s true knowledge.

HAPPY PONDERING!