Comparisons

Turns people off vs. Turns people on Self-centered vs. Helpful Disliked vs. Liked

Example

Alistair droned on, turning presentation into a pedantic ego-trip, showing off how much he knew. He argued points that were strictly academic to poor people trying to understand theory of Emotional Intelligence and use it in real time. The HR Director watched participants eyes glaze over and knew she had just wasted company’s valuable time and money, and probably turned employees off to idea of Emotional Intelligence as well.

Graciella, on other hand, was a coach who was clearly erudite and really knew her stuff. She was able to engage group and excite them about practical possibilities of applying emotional intelligence to their work culture. They hung on her every word -- and most of her words were one-syllable! The HR Director knew they would leave meeting with a clear understanding of major points, and enthusiasm for applying what they’d learned. Key Point

It's okay to know a lot, in fact it's a good thing and makes you a valuable employee, partner, and person, but only if you use it in conjunction with your Emotional Intelligence. If you are arrogant about it, or unable to express your valuable knowledge in a way that engages other people, it won't matter what you know. No one will be listening. (EQ matters more than IQ.) It’s okay to know a lot. It’s not okay to be a know-it-all.

Benefits

Better communication and teamwork.