Got EQ? Increasing Cultural and Clinical Competence Through Emotional Intelligence

Cultural intelligence has been described across three parameters of human behavior: cognitive intelligence, emotional intelligence (EQ), and physical intelligence. Each contributes a unique and important perspective to the ability of speech—language pathologists and audiologists to provide benefits to their clients regardless of cultural backgrounds. This article provides an overview of the concept of EQ and its historic and theoretical foundations. Strategies for developing and implementing skills related to EQ to enhance clinical competence and cultural proficiency are explored.