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EQ in Action: Adaptability, Optimism, and Career Success

Why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Matters

Research consistently shows that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a stronger predictor of success than IQ.

EQ can profoundly impact your personal and professional life, which makes it worth developing. This module explores:

  • Adaptability
  • Positive Outlook (Optimism)
  • Reflective Scenarios
  • Practical Strategies

“When you are self-aware, you are far more likely to pursue the right opportunities, put your strengths to work, and—perhaps most importantly—keep your emotions from holding you back.”

— Bradbury & Greaves (2009)

Adaptability

Adaptability means accepting change, adjusting strategies, and thriving in uncertainty.

Employers value adaptability for its impact on collaboration and teamwork, innovation, productivity, and client experience.

  • “Adaptable people….accept change, hone strategies for dealing with the unknown, and shift their behavior to accommodate new situations and challenges. For leaders, adaptability means responding effectively to changing events in the organizational environment” (Calarco & Gurvis, 2006, p. 3).
  • “Adaptability ….refers to the capacity to respond effectively to new information about oneself and/or one’s situation and to demonstrate the ability to effectively integrate new information into one’s career behavior” (Niles & Harris-Bowlsbey, 2009, as cited by Niles, Yoon, Balin, Amundson, 2010, p.102).
  • “Adaptability involves reformulating your goals and/or strategies to adapt to new work and career realities” (Seibert, Kraimer, Heslin, 2016, p. 245). 

Being adaptable demonstrates that you're open to change and ready to pivot when necessary.

Positive Outlook (Optimism)

Optimism is a mindset that influences success as much as skill or effort.

Optimists are more likely to view challenges as temporary and solvable, whereas pessimists tend to internalize setbacks as personal and lasting.

“Optimism isn’t naive. It’s a belief that the future is bright, even in darkness.” (Sinek, December 23, 2020)

We choose where to place our focus: on obstacles or opportunities. This choice affects how we manage careers, solve problems, and navigate uncertainty. During a career transition or setback, optimists are more likely to:

  • Update job search tools, including cover letters, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, etc.
  • Engage personal and professional networks
  • Focus on positive outcomes
  • Bring enthusiasm to interviews

An optimistic outlook keeps you open to new paths and gives you the energy to pursue them, sometimes even leading to unexpected opportunities.

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