From early 90s, the concept of Emotional Quotient (EQ) seems to have gained a lot of significance. The term EQ first appeared in a 1964 paper by Michael Beldoch and gained popularity in the 1995 book written by psychologist, and science journalist Daniel Goleman. 

Today, you can even see toys that apparently help boost a child's emotional intelligence. "Your EQ is the level of your ability to understand other people, what motivates them and how to work cooperatively with them," says Howard Gardner, the influential Harvard theorist. 

While there have been various theories of how IQ is more important than EQ, slowly there seems to be a shift in the recognition of the role EQ plays in career growth. People with high IQs do extremely well academically. However, experts have been lately of the opinion that IQ alone cannot do well. 
"People with well-developed emotional skills are more likely to be content and effective in their lives, mastering the habits of the mind that foster their own productivity; people who cannot marshal some control over their emotional life fight battles that sabotage their ability for focused work and clear thought," said Goeman. 

EQ will help you focus on long term goals 
Instant gratification has become the order of the day. So, the one who stands out in the crowd, with the ability to delay gratification, will reap in greater benefits. People who are able to pay the price today and delay the rewards are much more likely to succeed in life. 

EQ will help you get promoted 
It is true that your IQ can get you the best job. However, to stay in a job and to work towards growth, you have to work on your emotions and understanding of people's emotions. Positive networking is very important to grow in a job. 

EQ will help you have better personal relationships 
Your emotional skills have a direct bearing on your relationships with others, not only at work place, even at a personal level. Your relationships personally determine how happy you stay, which indirectly affects your productivity at work place. 

EQ will help you stay positive 
A positive attitude is very important to motivate yourself to achieve greater heights. Despite having setbacks, you should know how to stay optimistic. Even if you lack in your IQ, your success drive, constant effort to improve and commitment towards your goals and organizational goals will take you to greater heights.