A study authored by Jared S. Allen, Regan M. Stevenson, Ernest H. O’Boyle, and Scott Seibert and published in the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal states that Emotional Intelligence is a stronger predictor of success than mental ability.
Although both abilities go hand in hand, when considering traditional work settings, where higher-order thinking and reasoning are necessary skills, Cognitive Intelligence is the main predictor of performance.
However, Emotional Intelligence works best when building a venture, a context in which the entrepreneur must deal with uncertainties and yet, remain motivated and be resilient. This is a work setting that favors those who can manage themselves and others effectively. It also requires the ability to work through one's emotions and to influence others.

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