LogFAQs > #886601122

Llarian posted...

If management can keep the machine running smoothly, they're seen as intelligent. If they actively interfere or otherwise sabotage productivity, they're seen as stupid.

Yep. Even for the workers' opinions, this is usually how it works.

Llarian posted...

What is the difference between emotional and social intelligence, in your estimation?

Emotional intelligence would relate to being able to control your own emotional reactions (being stoic when necessary, or knowing when to display positive emotion, or being stern when necessary). A modicum of empathy goes a long way, too, so long as you don't become too empathic and allow that to cloud your judgment entirely. (A lack of empathy also clouds one's judgment though.)

Social intelligence has to do with understanding other people's emotional reactions and understanding that your words have impacts - you can't please everyone, but you can avoid throwing gasoline on a fire, so to speak. Having tact, diplomacy, and knowing just how harsh you can be without negatively affecting someone's life and performance are signs of social intelligence.

That's my estimation, at least.

And worth noting that I would say some jobs require more social intelligence than others. For a rocket scientist, while they may drive their peers away with social stupidity, social skills are relatively unrelated to performing their job well. For a manager, however, social intelligence is an absolute must because you're constantly dealing with other people, and how you deal with them affects your performance.

Unfortunately, bad managers can pass the blame onto their workers and because they're seen as less disposable, the managers are usually believed over the workers.
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