'Decency Quotient'​ - a core leadership quality

The CEO of Mastercard, #ajaybanga, has it right. Decency Quotient, just like Emotional Intelligence, are the nuanced qualities we test for every time we interview leaders for a new role. We coach leaders how to exhibit both qualities, but it’s even better if these are part of their natural DNA.

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For leaders, THIS is more important than intelligence

There are many qualities that leaders are thought to obtain. Commitment and drive, an inspirational persona, the ability to make decisions and an innovative mindset are oft-cited qualities that employers look for in their next wave of leaders. But it seems that this is not all.

According to Harvard Business Review, successful leaders in today’s society should possess three different leadership capabilities including the more familiar terms intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ), as well as the lesser known decency quotient (DQ).

While most people would tout intelligence as one of the most desirable leadership skill for expanding and growing a business venture, one established businessman has said that decency quotient (DQ) is a core leadership quality that is, in some ways, more valuable than intelligence – Harvard Business Review reported.

Ajay Banga, CEO of Mastercard told students at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business that “IQ is really important. EQ is really important. What really matters to me is DQ”.

He added: “If you can bring your decency quotient to work every day, you will make the company a lot of fun for people – and people will enjoy being there and doing the right thing.”

So, what is DQ?

According to Harvard Business Review, DQ goes further than EQ; it demonstrates that a leader has empathy for employees but also has a frank desire to look out for them, which results in a positive office vibe if employees are properly valued and respected.