Of course, the importance of IQ relative to other factors, like emotional intelligence and perseverance, depends on the career or profession. For success in an academic career in the physical sciences, an IQ of at least 120 is probably required. Similarly, a high IQ is vital in professional careers such as a top physician or lawyer. In professions where rational thinking and problem solving is vital, a reasonably high IQ is vitally important. In most of these careers, perseverance is also vital, because the development of expertise in any field requires unrelenting study and dedication. High emotional intelligence is always an asset in making contacts, securing positions and gaining appointments, but, in such careers, outstanding abilities and knowledge are the prime assets.
However, in entrepreneurial enterprises such as building a company or founding a business, perseverance, emotional intelligence, including leadership skills and tenacity, are vital. In his book Entrepreneurial Genius: The Power of Passion, psychologist Gene Landrum profiles the great entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, Martha Stewart, Elon Musk and many others. He describes the personality characteristics that these people share and emphasizes, in particular, the importance of personal passion. All of these billionaires, possessing different levels of intelligence, exhibited vision, a strong work ethic, and an intense passion in their journey to success. Although a higher than average level of intelligence is important for entrepreneurial success, passion, vision and commitment play a stronger role in success.
So, in planning a career, it’s important to explore your personal interests and choose something that grabs your interest enough to compel you to devote unrelenting effort to achieving success in that field. An old adage that asserts, “A person who pursues their passion, never works a day in their life.” Although this might appear to be an overstatement, it speaks volumes about the power of desire and commitment in the journey to success.
