Measuring Emotional Intelligence:
The Simmons EQ Profile
Then I started hearing about the EQ Profile from people whose opinions I respected. They wouldn't even consider making an important hiring or promotional decision without including this instrument as a source of information. And, of course, they always used it when doing developmental coaching with their employees.
Even though I thought their faith in the Profile was a little over the top, I took it myself for the first time in the late 1980's…and I have been using it ever since.
WHY I TRUST THE SIMMONS EQ PROFILE
Accuracy
The Profile is uncannily accurate, so much so that I do not hesitate to make hiring or promotional recommendations based on the results. I cannot imagine doing developmental coaching or organizational assessments without it. A recent survey of users found that they rated it 97 to 100% accurate.
The Results Cannot Be Manipulated
The way the instrument is constructed and scored, it is impossible for people to position themselves to "look good." Many instruments on the market are so transparent that it is not very difficult to give what people think are the "right" answers. I take the Profile every year and I still can't figure out how it is scored. I have not found it possible to deliberately raise or lower any given dimension on the Profile report.
The Results Are Accurate Over Time
I have had seen people generate nearly identical Profiles after a three year lapse between Profiles. I have also seen people show dramatic changes in their Profiles after they have worked hard to develop specific skills associated with EQ.
No Quadrants
Rather than placing people in quadrants, the instrument assesses people on 13 highly independent dimensions.
Cross Cultural Accuracy
I have used the Profile in more than 15 countries. Anyone who can read English at the 6th grade level can take the Profile. The results will accurately assess the person. I do, however, have to take cultural factors into account when providing my interpretation of the results.
TAKE IT YOURSELF
The best way to learn about the Profile is to take it yourself. First read the case studies. If you are interested, contact me for more information about how the Profile might be of use in your business.