In today’s workplaces, technical ability often gets you in the door - but emotional intelligence (EI) gets you ahead. EI refers to assessing and managing your own emotions, reading others’ feelings, and navigating interpersonal dynamics. Research shows that individuals with high EI are better at handling change, resolving conflict, and sustaining motivation.  For example, a 2025 study found that managers strong in self-regulation and empathy significantly boosted team performance, especially during turbulence.  Beyond effectiveness, EI also links to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover: emotionally intelligent employees feel valued and forge stronger connections at work.

Despite this, schools and colleges rarely teach EI explicitly. That’s a big gap, as workplaces today demand collaboration, adaptability and self-awareness—skills a high IQ won’t automatically make you good at. In short, if you want to stand out, invest in your emotional intelligence: the quiet, relational edge that truly shifts careers.