Good and bad habits can present as examples of low and high CQ. But what exactly does it mean to have a high CQ, why is it important, and how can we transform low CQ moments into high ones?

Firstly: what is CQ again?

You’ve already learnt that CQ stands for Communication Quotient™ or Communication Intelligence, measuring your ability to express thoughts and feelings effectively to those around you. You have learnt that the CQ methodology, built by scientists and global communicators, encourages a sense of awareness about your communication proficiency, identifying learned communication patterns that might be holding you back. And you have understood that the CQ framework offers insights into your communication habits, and guides you to make conscious adjustments that enhance your skills.

Is CQ a skill that can be developed?

As well as a measure, CQ is also a skill. CQ bridges the gap between your EQ (Emotional Quotient) and your IQ (Intelligence Quotient) - neither of which are static skills.

To improve IQ, you might engage in activities that challenge your cognitive abilities, such as tackling complex puzzles or learning a new language. To improve EQ, you might practice mindfulness and self-awareness techniques, such as meditation or journaling, to better understand and manage your emotions.

Similarly, CQ requires dedicated practice and improvement.

What do ‘low’ and 'high' CQ look like?

Neglecting communication skills can lead to 'low' CQ moments that can impair our effectiveness to the point that we might miss crucial details. On the flip side, consciously practicing our communication skills daily can result in 'high' CQ moments. But how do we know what each of these look like?

Watch the below video between a manager and her colleague, where the same scenario is played twice. Observe the subtle changes in the manager's attitude and behavior in each video. Notice examples of both verbal and non-verbal cues.

Imagine you're the colleague trying to understand the issue. How would you feel being spoken to in each example?

Remember, high CQ involves more than just applying 'good' communication techniques. It requires actively listening, critical thinking, and effective negotiating, consistently practiced, to develop a well-rounded approach.

Every effort we make to improve our CQ is a huge leap towards more consistently conscious communication.

_{Clare Munn}

How do we develop a higher CQ?

There’s often a black-and-white mentally toward skills; you either have them or you don’t. But none of us are perfect. We all have both 'low' and 'high' CQ moments. Developing your CQ is about practicing awareness in different environments, helping identify weak spots and making way for growth.

Once you start looking for them, the opportunity to practice CQ is quite literally everywhere. What’s more, improving your CQ can be incredibly rewarding. How much better would you feel to simply make eye contact with and smile at your barista rather than staring at your phone as you order? Every effort we make to improve our CQ is a huge leap towards more consistently conscious communication, all whilst giving us a sense of true achievement.

It's highly likely that we have unconsciously picked up low CQ expressions as habits or routines over time. Practicing our CQ can help us to adapt those negative behaviors. 

What we've learned

Low and high CQ isn't always obvious. We need to be conscious of its subtleties in order to catch and correct our behaviors in real time. How we address others can make all the difference between effective and misguided leadership.

Remember, we can't expect to be perfect communicators 100% of the time. The first step to developing high CQ is awareness of your current state. Indicating that you're not operating at your highest CQ is, in itself, high CQ.