Emotional or Analytical? Understanding the Two Types of Intelligence

Which matters more? The ability to solve problems or the ability to understand emotions? This question is the summary of the fight between two intelligence types: emotional intelligence and analytical intelligence. The most proper way to start discussing this would be understanding what these intelligence types mean, and their differences.

Starting with analytical intelligence - shortly IQ - which most of you probably think is the more important one, is the ability to make logical and rapid decisions in certain situations. It is mostly about logic, solving problems, mathematical thinking and critical analysis. On the other hand, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to control your own emotions and understand other people's emotions. Emotionally intelligent individuals show greater aptitude for empathy, self-realization and social skills. Despite the importance of these values, emotional intelligence often gets shadowed by analytical intelligence. Most of the society is unaware of the significance of emotional intelligence, and what it brings, that they think it is useless and ineffective. However, in fact, people value emotional intelligence more than they think. People with social skills, eventually with emotional intelligence, usually draw more attention when it comes to socializing and making friends. Everybody comes upon people that they instantly want to get to know better when they meet them, without really knowing why. Most of us unintentionally gravitate towards those with emotional intelligence, and end up building a connection. On the contrary, schools and academic fields are where IQ gets to shine. Most numerical lessons require mathematical skills. So analytically intelligent people can stand out while emotionally intelligent people can remain unseen. This brings out one of the problems in the common system of education, which appears to be very far from perfect, at the present time.

Speaking of emotionally and analytically intelligent individuals, one should ask: What defines the intelligence? There are tests prepared for both IQ and EQ. An EQ test measures self-awareness, social awareness, social skills, self-management and motivation. It is quite possible to increase your EQ by reconnecting to core emotions, accepting them and becoming comfortable with them. As for analytical intelligence, increasing it is definitely harder. An IQ test measures logical reasoning, numerical ability, visual intelligence and problem solving skills. The test results can be improved through targeted training but there will be no drastic change.

Shifting focus to what these types of intelligences help with people careers: High IQ is usually crucial in fields like engineering or data-driven science. Besides that, to be successful in any career path, there should be a minimum level of IQ, that provides the ability of problem solving. On the other hand, EQ supports the success of the individual working in a social environment, providing the capability of better communication, team work, leadership and empathy.

To sum up, both EQ and IQ are valuable in their own ways. They stand out in both same and different areas of life, but the way they provide benefits is completely different. In my opinion, it is inappropriate to compare these intelligence types in terms of importance. EQ and IQ complement each other in every aspect to form actually intelligent individuals. The real 'smart' shouldn't be defined as someone who can just solve complicated mathematical problems and has good grades, but someone who has the ability to make socially and analytically correct judgements and decisions to get out of predicaments. And when both EQ and IQ work in harmony, one conclusion stands out: Intelligence, in fact, is the adaptability.