Studies indicate that emotional intelligence – the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others – is more important than a high IQ to succeed.  As a solo PR pro, your emotional fortitude will be tested in a variety of ways, and you'll need a high emotional IQ to remain resolute. You will need the ability to handle stress and the aptitude to let things go and continue moving forward. This does not mean you never have a meltdown or hit an emotional low, but you'll need to understand how to manage those times and get back on track.

In her article,  “Unlock Your Emotional Genius,” Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. writes, “From resolving disputes to negotiating high-powered deals, business leaders need to be able to read each other’s signals, as well as understand their own strengths and weaknesses.” She outlines four dimensions of emotional intelligence:

1. Understand and express your own emotions.
2. Perceive and understand the emotions of others around you.
3. Regulate your own emotion.
4. Use emotion to maximize performance.

Use the infographic from Net Credit below to begin to assess your own emotional intelligence. You can take it a step further by taking an emotional intelligence test online to understand areas that may require work. The good news is that you can strengthen your emotional intelligence and the benefits will pay off in every area of your life.