During the introduction Derksen set the right tone for the evening with a magnificent anecdote. He then compared the IQ to the EQ: where the IQ provides the horse power to your life, the EQ is your driving ability. The core of emotional intelligence, according to the psychologist is 'consciousness, understanding, and the control and expression of your emotions'.
Understanding was first introduced by the psychologist Bar-On. He investigated why people with a high IQ were not always successful in life. After seventeen years of research he gave shape to the factors underlying this by way of the emotional quotient. The EQ-test he designed with many others is also used by Derksen. It is the only scientifically-supported EQ-test used in the Netherlands at this moment.
Derksen mentioned five factors which are important for your emotional intelligence: intrapersonal elements (assertiveness, independence), interpersonal elements (empathy, social responsibility), adaptation aspects (flexibility, problem solving), stress management aspects (stress tolerance, impulse control) and general mood aspects (optimism, happiness).
After this clear theoretical account, Derksen spoke for a time about the results he has obtained during his research. A correlation has emerged between income and EQ. A number of professions were mentioned in relation to EQ, with amusing details.
Fortunately the EQ has proven to be trainable. This is because the trait is half-hereditary, and a significant contribution has to be made by the person. This in contrast with cognitive intelligence that is much more hereditary and less easy to acquire at a higher level.
And this question could not fail to materialise: do women score higher on the EQ than men? 'No', says the psychologist. There are differences in the sub-elements: women are among other things better at empathy and social responsibility. 'What are men better at?' Derksen then asked. The answer came from the audience: 'At reading maps'. And again the Amphitheater laughed.
