Which concept best explains why Megha is likely to do better than Reh…

Rehan topped his school in Class XII and scores very high on IQ tests. In his first job, he often snaps at co-workers when work piles up. He misreads his manager's tone in meetings and cannot work out why his team avoids him. His colleague Megha had only average marks in school. She notices from a co-worker's face and voice that he is upset, stays calm during arguments, and weighs how she is reacting before she takes a decision. Her team trusts her and turns to her in difficult times.

Which concept best explains why Megha is likely to do better than Rehan at work, despite his higher IQ?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Emotional intelligence

Option (1) Emotional intelligence — Correct. Emotional intelligence is the ability to process emotional information accurately and efficiently. Megha reads others' moods from face and voice and regulates her own reactions. A good IQ and school record alone, as in Rehan's case, is not enough for success at work.

Option (2) Aptitude — Incorrect. Aptitude is a special ability in a particular field, such as mechanics or music, that grows with training. The passage is about handling one's own and others' moods.

Option (3) Creativity — Incorrect. Creativity is the ability to bring out new ideas or new ways of doing things. Megha's strength lies in understanding and handling moods.

Option (4) Experiential intelligence — Incorrect. Experiential intelligence is the ability to use past experiences creatively to solve new problems.

NCERT (2026-27): “EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The notion of emotional intelligence broadens the concept of intelligence beyond the intellectual sphere/domain and considers that intelligence includes emotions. You may note that it builds on the concept of intelligence in the Indian tradition. Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that underlie accurate appraisal, expression, and regulation of emotions. It is the feeling side of intelligence. A good IQ and scholastic record is not enough to be successful in life. You may find many people who are academically talented, but are unsuccessful in their own life. They experience problems in family, workplace and interpersonal relationships. What do they lack? Some psychologists believe that the source of their difficulty may be a lack of emotional intelligence. …”

“In simple terms, emotional intelligence refers to the ability to process emotional information accurately and efficiently. …”