IQ + EQ + Hustle HQ: The Winning Formula for Success
A few years ago, I had an insightful dinner conversation with another leader introducing me to a hiring concept that has profoundly shaped how I think about leadership and personal growth: IQ + EQ + Hustle. This combination felt intuitive, yet integrating it into hiring and day-to-day work? That’s where the challenge lies.
Let’s break it down:
IQ (Intellectual Quotient): Often the easiest to evaluate, IQ is how someone articulates their ideas, navigates complex problems, and presents their qualifications. It’s about assessing if their experience and knowledge align with the role at hand.
EQ (Emotional Intelligence): This one is trickier. How do you gauge whether someone can stay calm under pressure, manage stress effectively, or keep a meeting productive during challenging times? To evaluate EQ, I’ve found these strategies effective:
Behavioral Questions: “Tell me about a time a project didn’t go as planned. How did you react?”
Scenario Testing: Present a hypothetical scenario and ask how they’d respond.
References Matter: Speaking with former colleagues or managers can give insight into how candidates handle conflict, feedback, or unforeseen challenges.
Hustle: What exactly does hustle mean? To me, hustle is more than working hard - it’s about perseverance, resourcefulness, and leveraging your IQ and EQ to push forward. It's about the drive to keep moving, even when things aren't going your way.
This brings us to Hustle HQ - the concept of Hustle Quotient. I encountered this idea in an insightful article about hustle’s role in business success. Hustle HQ measures your ability to maximize your IQ and EQ to solve problems, progress toward goals, and stay resilient through setbacks. The article illustrates HQ through the tale of Amundsen and Scott, two explorers racing to the South Pole. Amundsen’s team succeeded because they maintained consistent effort, had contingency plans, and understood their environment. Scott’s team, in contrast, perished because they lacked backup strategies and flexibility. The outcome was a matter of existence vs. non-existence. (You can check out the article, What’s HQ (Hustle Quotient) And Do You Have Enough Of It?)
How to Identify HQ During Hiring
Now, how do you assess hustle HQ during the hiring process? It’s often more subtle than evaluating IQ or EQ. Here are a few strategies I’ve found helpful:
Outside Interests: Do candidates engage inside projects, train for marathons, or pursue other passions? These pursuits can hint at a driven, curious mindset. However, hustle doesn’t always look like constant activity. Someone who prioritizes family over side gigs might still exhibit the determination to overcome work challenges.
Workplace Contributions: Ask about projects they initiated or moments when they went above and beyond their job description. Hustle shows up when someone seeks opportunities to grow, contribute, and problem-solve.
Adaptability and Grit: Ask candidates to describe moments when they overcame significant obstacles or how they stayed motivated during challenging times.
Nurturing Your Own Hustle HQ
It’s not just about evaluating others. I also think about my own growth through the lens of IQ + EQ + Hustle:
IQ: Am I keeping my mind sharp? Reading, attending workshops, and exploring new topics help me stay intellectually engaged.
EQ: How am I maintaining emotional balance? Practicing self-care, seeking feedback, and reflecting on my interactions help me grow emotionally.
Hustle: Am I staying proactive and moving toward my goals? Networking, pursuing hobbies, and stepping up in my professional life keep my drive alive.
As I continue to build my own Hustle HQ, I push myself out of my comfort zone - whether it's taking on new projects, connecting with people I admire, or challenging my limits. The more I push, the stronger my hustle becomes.
Creating a Hustle Culture in Your Organization
If you’re leading a team, it’s vital to foster a culture where hustle is celebrated. Encourage risk-taking and experimentation. Reward innovation, not just results. Create an environment where employees feel empowered to go beyond what's expected and try new things, even if they don’t always succeed.
When interviewing, ask candidates about times they’ve stepped outside their comfort zone or tackled challenges without being prompted. Look for individuals who embrace challenges and actively seek solutions.
Conclusion
The formula of IQ + EQ + Hustle is simple in concept but not always easy to apply. However, when you get it right - whether in hiring, leadership, or personal development - you create a winning formula for success. As you consider your own Hustle HQ, think about how you’re balancing intellectual and emotional growth while continually pushing yourself to hustle toward your goals.
Remember: Hustle is a renewable resource. It’s available to everyone, regardless of position or experience. The question isn’t whether you have it - it’s whether you’re using it effectively to elevate your success.
What do you think of the IQ + EQ + Hustle formula? How do you incorporate it into your hiring process or personal growth strategy? Let me know in the comments below!