Final answer:
The statement implies that higher-ranking star performers often exhibit greater emotional intelligence, which is crucial for their effectiveness. Emotional intelligence refers to skills in managing and understanding emotions, and is proposed by Daniel Goleman to be a strong predictor of success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author suggests that a person considered to be a star performer, especially at higher ranks within an organization, tends to show a greater degree of emotional intelligence as a contributing factor to their success. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to perceive, understand, and manage one's own emotions as well as those of others, facilitating interpersonal relationships and effective leadership.
Daniel Goleman, a proponent of this view, suggests that emotional intelligence skills are a better predictor of success than conventional intelligence measures such as IQ. This claim is based on research suggesting that those with high emotional intelligence tend to have well-developed social skills, which can be crucial for navigating the complexities of higher level management and decision-making roles.