In school, we’re taught that high scores equal high potential. But real life doesn’t always follow that script. Many people who thrive in work and relationships often do so not because they’re the smartest in the room, but because they bring more to the table.
Success today requires more than IQ. It requires emotional intelligence (EQ) and something deeper, which is your ability to lead with care and purpose, sometimes called LQ.
Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, agrees:
Let’s break down these three forms of intelligence—and why all of them matter.
IQ: The Intelligence Quotient
IQ is the traditional measure of intelligence. It includes logic, reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. These are the skills that help you ace exams and crack puzzles.
But IQ is only one dimension of potential. You can be brilliant at math and still struggle to communicate or lead.
IQ may help you learn fast, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll thrive in a complex, collaborative world.
EQ: The Emotional Quotient
EQ is your ability to manage emotions, both yours and others’. It's about empathy, self-awareness, communication, and resilience.
In teams, EQ helps you navigate conflict, give feedback, and lead with clarity. In life, it helps you stay grounded under pressure.
People with high EQ are the ones others trust and want to follow.
LQ: The Love Quotient
LQ is less commonly talked about, but just as important. It represents your capacity to care about people, purpose, and long-term impact.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology and automation, LQ is what makes us human. It's kindness in leadership, compassion in decisions, and meaning behind action.
Machines can replicate logic. But they can’t replicate love.
Why All Three Matter
You need a balance of IQ, EQ, and LQ to thrive, not just professionally, but personally.
- IQ helps you learn and think.
- EQ helps you connect and lead.
- LQ helps you care and inspire.
The future belongs to those who integrate all three.
Final Thought
Whether you’re building a startup, teaching a class, or supporting a friend; how you think, how you feel, and how you care all matter.
The real intelligence of the future isn't just mental. It's emotional. It's human.