The 5 Components of Intelligence Required for Career Success

In the past, Leadership has a very basic definition. Those who are smart and extroverted receive accolade and move up the ladder. Do you have all the components for career success?

With technology rapidly changing and our large exposure to information, the definition of a good leader is forcing us to be Renaissance Women. To keep up, we must be able to present ourselves as a total package in and outside of work. Below are 5 components of your intelligence that can help bring you closer to being the Renaissance Woman.

IQ (Intelligence Quotient): How intelligent are you?

This is the most popular quotient of all. The intelligence quotient tests your general ability to comprehend ideas and process information. The IQ test is known for qualifying our aptitude into a 3-digit number; an IQ test score above 160 signifies true genius. The IQ test has been used to identify geniuses such as Albert Einstein, Bobby Fischer, and Galileo.

PQ (Power/Political Quotient): How reliable are you?

The Power Quotient is your ability to provide value in your position. This quotient is a blend of how hard you work and how smart you play. When working on a task or project, those with strong Political Quotients work smart by staying organized; prioritizing meetings; and maintaining open communication. Those high in this quotient will be the valuable employee who is sought out for advice on the project. Develop this quotient by being actively involved in others development and by providing growth opportunities to your team.

EQ (Emotional Quotient): How do you handle yourself?

The Emotional Quotient represents your ability to control your emotions and navigate through social situations. The EQ gauges your natural ability to react to difficult interactions at work and completing each task with a harmonious solution. Traits for good EQ include high motivation, self-awareness, and motivation. Those with good Emotional Intelligence have been proven to have greater mental health, strong job performance, and greater potential for leadership.

SQ (Social Quotient): How do you interact with others?

Are you friendly with other employees? Do you work well in teams? Are you a problem-solver?  These are great questions to ask yourself when “testing” our social intelligence.

The Social Quotient is the ability to read the emotions of others and interact accordingly. The SQ varies from EQ, as SQ represents your interactions with others on your team, in your department, etc. Social quotient tests your ability to harmoniously interact with your coworkers and fit into the culture and environment of your work place.

CQ (Cultural Quotient): Are you aware of differences in the workplace?

The Cultural Quotient is incredibly vital for the now, international workplace. Many companies are stationed or work alongside offices in various countries. The Cultural Quotient is helpful in bridging gaps between employees to develop camaraderie and help embrace differences in the work places. Here are some interesting cultural differences to remember:

Russia: Russians do not shake hands over a threshold, or at a door. They believe this to be unlucky.

India: When shaking hands, receiving a gift, or eating, always use your right hand. The left hand is believed to be unclean.

Austria: When meeting with a group, ensure you introduce yourself and shake hands with everyone. It is seen as disrespectful to ignore any member within the group.

These 5 Quotients help round an employee and develop a foundation for the future. If its ever hard to remember all of these quotients, just remember SPICE: Social, Power, Intelligence, Cultural, and Emotional. Each piece of the SPICE pie will empower you to be a better you at work!

Akshaya Vardhan

Akshaya Vardhan is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied Statistics. After receiving an M.S. in Statistics, Akshaya pursued her career as a Consultant with a Chicago Insurance company. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and (lots of) food. Follow Akshaya on Twitter @AkshayaVardhan