Why Learning Before Assessment
When it comes to emotional intelligence (EQ), diving straight into an assessment might seem like the logical first step. After all, assessments like the EQ 2.0 are designed to give you a snapshot of where you stand. But as someone who has coached numerous leaders using this tool, I can confidently say it’s not always the best place to start.
The Emotional Toll of Jumping In Too Soon
Let’s be real—nobody likes being told where they’re falling short, especially when it comes to something as personal as emotional intelligence. For some, starting with a psychometric assessment can be a jarring experience. Imagine being confronted with a report that bluntly highlights your weaknesses. It’s like a magnifying glass on areas you might already feel insecure about. This can be quite traumatic, leaving people feeling discouraged rather than motivated.
The Case for Learning First
So, what’s the alternative? I advocate for learning before assessment. Here’s why:
Low Psychological Risk: Learning first allows individuals to explore the basics of EQ in a low-pressure environment. They can familiarize themselves with different EQ scales without the immediate fear of judgment.
Self-Reflection: Even those who aren’t naturally self-aware will start to get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses. This self-guided discovery fosters openness and a willingness to delve deeper.
Foundation Building: Learning helps lay the groundwork. Think of it as building the base before constructing a house. Once individuals understand the fundamentals, they’re better prepared for an assessment's detailed insights.
The Learning Process
During this initial learning phase, individuals can start to:
Reflect on their behaviours: How do they handle stress? How do they interact with others?
Seek feedback: Conversations with friends, family, or colleagues can offer valuable insights into how their emotional intelligence is perceived outwardly.
This gradual approach encourages a deeper exploration, setting the stage for a more receptive and productive assessment experience.
The Power of the Assessment
Once the foundation is set, the EQ 2.0 assessment can be incredibly enlightening. It provides detailed, actionable insights that include:
Comprehensive Results: Each of the 15 EQ facets is broken down with impact statements and strategies for improvement.
Well-Being Indicator: This pulls together aspects like Self-Regard, Optimism, Interpersonal Relationships, and Self-Actualization into a cohesive view.
Leadership Insights: For those in leadership roles, an executive summary highlights their highest and lowest areas, along with leadership impact instructions.
Leadership Potential Summary: This focuses on key areas such as Authenticity, Coaching, Insight, and Innovation.
Avoiding Overwhelm
While these insights are valuable, they can also be overwhelming for someone new to emotional intelligence work. It’s a lot to take in, and without a solid foundation, it can feel like trying to learn a foreign language by jumping straight into complex grammar rules.
A Learning Analogy - Remember the ABC’s?
Think back to when you learned to read. You didn’t start with Shakespeare. First, you learned the sounds of the letters, then simple words, and gradually built up to more complex texts. Emotional intelligence is similar. Master the basics first—understand the building blocks—before tackling the complexities.
In Summary
Learning before assessment creates a more supportive and effective pathway to developing emotional intelligence. It helps individuals build confidence and openness, making the eventual assessment a tool for growth rather than a source of anxiety.
So, take it step by step, and remember—you’re building a skill that will serve you in every aspect of your life.
