EQ2 - what is it? Do you have it? It is one of the most important qualities possessed by great leaders, coaches, teachers, parents and friends.
Tests measuring intelligence have been around for years. IQ tests measure how smart you are. Smart is certainly good but pure intellectual horsepower is not enough. EQ tests measure one’s understanding of emotions. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to empathize and work with others, and manage yourself effectively while under stress. It is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
People with high EQ also possess what I am calling EQ2 - Encouragement Quotient.
EQ2 is the awareness and ability to encourage others. Encouragement fuels potential, pushes us through fear and beyond challenges. Encouragement is the foundation for realizing the dreams God places on our hearts and pushes us away from taking the exit that leads to regret.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
— Mother Teresa
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man. The old man asked Rossetti for a moment of his time. Rossetti motioned the man to sit down. As the old man sat down, he pulled some sketches from his bag, handed them to Rossetti, and asked for his opinion.
One by one, Rossetti panned through the sketches. At first glance, he knew they were of little value. He carefully looked for something positive to say, but saw no artistic talent. Thoughtfully, he told the old man that he could not lie and saw little artistic value or talent in his work.
The elderly man, visibly disappointed, reached into his bag and retrieved a few more sketches. He handed them to Rossetti, who after just a brief review, quickly looked at the old man and asked, “Were these done by a young art student?”
As Rossetti continued to look at these drawings he became excited. “These are very good. This student has great talent and should be encouraged to become an artist. With training, hard work, and persistence this student has a very bright future.”
The elderly man began to cry. Rossetti seeing the rush of emotion reached out, put his hand on the man’s shoulder and asked, “Who is this fine young artist? Is it your son?”
“No, I am sorry to say it isn’t. It was me - 40 years ago,” said the old man as he continued to weep. “If only someone had taken the time to encourage me. I got discouraged and gave up. I gave up too soon!”
“The right word at the right time is like golden apples in silver jewelry.”
— Solomon
What is your encouragement quotient, “EQ2 - Encouragement Quotient”?
Here is a quick quiz you can take and share with family and friends to test your “EQ2 - Encouragement Quotient.” It’s free and you’ll join a community of encouragers where you can build your “EQ2” skills.
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