The right blend of IQ and EQ:Tips to keep improving

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When it comes to identifying the most suitable individual for a role, a strong academic background matters, but it is rarely the whole picture. Employers increasingly look at both IQ and EQ in the workplace: IQ reflects cognitive abilities such as reasoning and problem-solving, while EQ, or emotional intelligence, covers qualities like self-awareness, communication and the ability to work effectively with others.

That balance matters because neither is fixed. Learning does not stop after formal education, and both cognitive and emotional skills can be developed over time. Understanding how to improve your IQ and EQ can help keep both sharp.

As academic performance became a less reliable predictor of workplace success, employers began looking more closely at the wider qualities candidates bring, from emotional intelligence and adaptability to collaboration and judgement. 

At Freshminds, we pay close attention to both sides of a candidate's profile. We look for a genuine consulting skillset, and we believe it is the combination of IQ and EQ that ultimately determines success.

Striking a balance

In the workplace, IQ and EQ tend to show up in different but complementary ways. Problem-solving and numeracy draw heavily on cognitive ability, while communication, collaboration and personal impact rely more on emotional intelligence. Strong candidates are often able to combine both: thinking analytically while communicating clearly and working effectively with others.

That’s why it’s important to firstly be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses but know how to improve them too.

What organisations think about IQ 

IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient: a score derived from tests measuring human intelligence, including short-term memory, analytical thinking, mathematical ability, and spatial recognition. Higher IQ levels have been linked to greater success in life, while EQ, or emotional intelligence, measures a person's interpersonal and communication skills instead.

IQ remains an important part of anyone's professional development. In consulting and analytical roles especially, cognitive skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to acquire and apply knowledge are particularly pivotal.

How to Improve Your IQ:

General intelligence (the g-factor) is largely genetically determined, so your underlying intelligence level can't be changed. But the most effective way to improve your IQ test scores is through continued learning, whether that's university, professional diplomas, or additional courses.

There are less conventional ways to improve your technical skills - we explore those below. 

Learn a second language

Learning a second language can have positive effects on IQ. Bilingual individuals often exhibit improved cognitive skills and increased IQ scores. However, the extent of this effect can vary among individuals. So, not only is it a good way to exercise your brain, but it is also a handy skill that looks good on the CV and generally improves your employability.

Work out

The endorphins that are released during cardio workouts are an excellent booster for your brain’s activity. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and promotes the release of neurotrophic factors. Some studies show it can enhance memory, attention, and overall cognitive abilities, especially when performed consistently over time.

Meditate

Meditation practice not only works wonders for your emotional well-being, but it is also scientifically proven to be one of the most powerful tools used to encourage your brain’s activity and ultimately increase your cognitive functions and IQ.

Get enough sleep

Try to get around 8 hours of sleep a day - sleep significantly influences IQ by enhancing memory consolidation, problem-solving, attention, learning, and emotional regulation. Adequate sleep promotes better cognitive performance, while chronic sleep deprivation can impair IQ by affecting memory, problem-solving, and overall cognitive function.

Play brain games such as chess or puzzles

Brain games challenge memory, problem-solving, and attention, potentially enhancing cognitive abilities. While they promote neural plasticity and mental agility, their direct and long-term impact on overall IQ remains debated. And they are also immensely fun!

Learn an instrument

Learning to play a musical instrument can have positive effects on IQ and cognitive abilities. It enhances brain development, memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial-temporal reasoning. Music education involves various cognitive processes that can contribute to overall intellectual growth.

Pay attention to your diet

Your diet can significantly impact IQ by influencing brain development and function. Nutrient-rich diets aid cognitive growth, while poor nutrition can impair IQ. Blood sugar levels and hydration also affect cognitive performance — even mild dehydration has been linked to slower reaction times and reduced concentration.

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Are organisations looking for EQ? 

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a vital aspect of human interaction and personal development. It refers to the ability to understand, manage, and use emotions effectively, both in yourself and in your relationships with others.

In a professional setting, there are clear benefits to managing healthy interpersonal relationships. People with high EQ tend to empathise, communicate, and resolve conflict more effectively, leading to stronger, more harmonious working relationships. EQ is also critical for leadership and teamwork: leaders with high EQ can inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

How to Improve your EQ

In more technical and data-driven roles, like analysts and researchers, candidates sometimes have hugely impressive technical skills and a high IQ but might lack strong EQ.

Below are a few tips for improving your EQ. 

Work on the non-reactivity

The only thing that determines whether a particular situation is long-term ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is its consequences, not the situation itself. And since we cannot predict the future and know the outcome of our decisions, we should withhold our tendency to judge and practice mindful acceptance instead.

Learn to handle criticism

Take all criticism, regardless of how it has been communicated as constructive feedback and use it to your advantage. It demonstrates self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy. Constructively receiving and responding to criticism can improve interpersonal relationships, emotional resilience, and personal growth - all key components of EQ.

Bounce back from failures

Failure is inseparable from success - coming to peace with it and learning from your mistakes is essential. Instead, you can use it to your advantage and identify areas of needed improvement. And also take comfort in the fact that we all experience failure in both our personal and professional lives.

Work on your empathy

Empathy is a fundamental component of EQ. It involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is essential for building strong interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and resolving conflicts. Understand that behind every person's behaviour, there are circumstances you are not aware of.

Take responsibility for your feelings

You cannot always control what happens, but you can fully control how you react to it. Responsibility and emotional intelligence are closely related. By understanding accountability, self-regulation, and empathy, you'll be able to move forward during times of conflict or misunderstanding.

Leave your comfort zone as often as you can

It's not always easy leaving our comfort zones, but personal development is not possible without it. It encourages personal growth and builds resilience, and interacting with diverse situations and people can develop emotional awareness and social skills.

Is EQ more important than IQ in the workplace?

Neither IQ nor EQ works in isolation, and which one matters more often depends on the role. In highly technical or analytical positions, a strong IQ is essential for problem-solving and applying knowledge quickly. But as roles increasingly involve collaboration, client relationships, and leadership, EQ often becomes the deciding factor in how successful someone is day to day.

Rather than one outweighing the other, most organisations look for a blend of the two: enough IQ to do the job well, and enough EQ to do it well with others.

Final thoughts on how to improve EQ and IQ

Improving IQ and EQ both come down to the same small set of habits — sleep, curiosity, exercise, and honest feedback — applied consistently rather than all at once. Start with whichever gap is holding you back most in your current role, and build the other in alongside it. IQ and EQ are only part of the picture, though: see our full breakdown of the skills employers are looking for.

FAQ

Is EQ more important than IQ at work?

Neither outweighs the other on its own — it depends on the role. A quick way to check where you stand: list your last few big work wins. If they came from solving hard problems solo, you're leaning on IQ; if they came from getting buy-in, resolving conflict, or reading a room correctly, that's EQ. Most roles need a working balance of both, so identify which one you reach for by default and consciously build the other. 

How do I demonstrate EQ in a job interview?

Interviewers often look for EQ through how you talk about teamwork, conflict, or setbacks, not just what you say about your technical skills. Reflect on a specific example that shows self-awareness or how you handled a difficult situation well, and be ready to walk through it.

Can I improve my EQ and IQ at the same time?

Yes; many of the habits that build one also support the other, like getting enough sleep, staying curious, and reflecting on feedback. Rather than treating them as separate projects, look for small daily habits that support both, and revisit this page periodically as you build them in.