Does emotional intelligence (EQ) play a role in an
entrepreneur’s success? Aren’t
entrepreneurs just individuals that are driven to success at all costs? There are plenty of studies that show a
connection between EQ and entrepreneurial success. Through personal experience and observation,
I can attest to what I believe is a direct link.
Being a successful entrepreneur requires a
diverse set of skills, EQ forms that foundation. The most successful entrepreneurs are experts
at identifying opportunities that others can’t see. How do they do that? Is it a sixth sense or is it really EQ? They have a keen social awareness. They are constantly observing, outwardly
focused on the needs of others in an effort to identify needs that have not yet
been met. Sounds a little bit different
than the typical money hungry vulture that the media sometimes describes, doesn’t
it? The most successful are masters of
the art of leadership and teambuilding. They
understand how to manage themselves and their own emotions, as well as how to
manage the delicate balance of relationships with others. The best of the best appear to possess a
multitude of skills needed to navigate the chaos of a startup. They have the innate ability to observe,
react, coordinate and manage the many moving pieces required to build a
successful business, much more akin to the impresario of an orchestra than the
socially awkward, inwardly focused individual society sometimes associates with
entrepreneurial startups. Yes, I do believe EQ plays a significant role
in an entrepreneur’s success. What do
you think?