You know an EQ fail when you see one. It’s the person who gets defensive, sends the email they probably should’ve reread or makes a moment all about themselves. That’s low emotional intelligence, or EQ.

EQ is the ability to understand your emotions and to recognize what other people are feeling so that you choose your response instead of letting your emotions choose for you. TalentSmartEQ’s Dr. Maggie Sass says EQ has never mattered more. However, many workplaces are seeing drops in empathy and emotional literacy.

High EQ isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about handling people well. Curious where you stand? Read on. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Dr. Sass’ thoughts on some common traits of high EQ.

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  1. Emotional self-control under pressure. Instead of immediately reacting, those with a high EQ put space between what they feel and what they do. This, according to Dr. Sass, allows them to respond intentionally, even in tense or high-stakes situations.

  2. Precise emotional awareness. Dr. Sass says high-EQ people can quickly move past generic terms to more accurately describe what they’re feeling. This makes it easier to regulate emotions and communicate effectively.

  3. Accurate reading of nonverbal cues. When someone has a high level of EQ, they pick up on other people’s body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. Dr. Sass points out this makes all the difference in interpersonal interactions.

  4. Active, other-focused listening. High-EQ individuals listen intently to understand the person speaking. According to Dr. Sass, they also ask thoughtful questions and avoid redirecting the conversation back to themselves.

  5. Accountability for impact on others. There is often a gap between intent and impact, Dr. Sass says. High EQ means taking responsibility for how your behavior is experienced, not just how you meant it.

  6. Openness to feedback and self-correction. People with high EQ understand that feedback isn’t a personal attack — it’s useful information. They can hear criticism and make adjustments when needed.

Think of EQ as your professional “pause button.” It helps you take a beat before firing off that email or inserting yourself in a situation that isn’t about you. You don’t have to be perfect, but you should show some self-awareness. In a world full of very public EQ fails, that skill is becoming a serious advantage.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Maggie Sass, PhD is the executive vice president of product, research and professional services for TalentSmartEQ.