2 Emotional Intelligence Factors Linked to Higher Salaries

A 2024 global survey of more than 28,000 people who took Truity’s Emotional Intelligence test shows that two specific EQ factors are most correlated with higher salaries and promotion.

Ou research found that as income and the number of people one manages increases, so does their overall EQ score. More specifically, the survey found that high earners and leaders tend to excel in these two key factors of emotional intelligence:

• Social awareness, or the ability to understand the emotions of others;
• Emotional control, or the ability to regulate and manage one’s emotions.

The Harvard Business Review describes this “one-two punch” of emotional control and self-awareness in this way, “While it’s important to understand and manage your emotions, you also need to know how to read a room…(and) recognize others’ emotions and the dynamics in play within your organization.” 

The research also revealed that two other factors that make up someone’s overall EQ score, while still important, may not be as strongly correlated with career advancement and higher earnings. They are empathy (the ability to relate to and express sensitivity towards the feelings of others) and self-awareness (the ability to recognize and identify your own emotional experiences).

A possible explanation for why empathy and self-awareness matter less is that the demands of leadership can sometimes overshadow these traits. As employees rise through the ranks, their focus often shifts to financial or productivity goals and they may have to make tough decisions with these goals in mind. These responsibilities can be difficult for highly empathetic individuals who prefer to focus on developing connections and supporting people. Additionally, studies show that the power dynamics within organizations can make it difficult for leaders to receive honest feedback about their leadership, as there are fewer people above them to provide it. This suggests that they may have less opportunity to nurture self-awareness and may not always see themselves as their employees do.

These findings imply that those who score highly in empathy and self-awareness may not be rising to the top of many organizations. But less representation doesn’t mean these aren’t still valuable skills for leaders to develop. The good news: Leaders who score lower in these areas can learn to enhance them, resulting in more collaborative and positive work environments.

Gender differences in EQ at work 

The research also uncovered that men and women excel in different aspects of EQ. Men tend to score higher in emotional control and self-awareness, while women frequently demonstrate superior empathy and social awareness.

The data suggests that women, who excel in empathy, may face challenges in certain high-earning professions that require a more assertive and competitive approach. Of course, gender differences in pay and promotions are a complex issue, but these differences tied to EQ scores are notable.