What Executive Function Really Is—and Why It Matters More Than IQ

When people think about intelligence, IQ is often the first thing that comes to mind. IQ scores are commonly associated with academic success, problem-solving ability, and even future career outcomes. However, decades of psychological research suggest that another set of skills—executive functions—may be far more important for real-world functioning than IQ alone.

So what exactly is executive function, and why does it matter so much?

What Is Executive Function?

Executive function (EF) refers to a group of higher-order cognitive processes that allow us to regulate our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in order to achieve goals. These skills are largely associated with the prefrontal cortex and develop gradually from early childhood into young adulthood.

Core components of executive function typically include:

• Working memory – holding and manipulating information in mind

• Inhibitory control – resisting impulses and distractions

• Cognitive flexibility – shifting attention, adapting to change, and seeing different perspectives

• Planning and organization – setting goals and sequencing steps

• Emotional regulation – managing emotions to support goal-directed behaviour

  
  

In everyday terms, executive function is what helps someone:

• Start tasks and follow through

• Stay focused despite distractions

• Manage frustration

• Switch strategies when something isn’t working

• Organize time, materials, and priorities

  
  

Executive Function vs IQ: What’s the Difference?

IQ measures cognitive potential—reasoning, verbal comprehension, and abstract problem-solving under structured conditions. Executive function, on the other hand, reflects how effectively a person uses their abilities in daily life.

This distinction explains why:

• A child with a high IQ may still struggle in school due to poor organization or emotional regulation

• An adult with an average IQ may excel at work because they manage time, stress, and priorities effectively

  
  

In short:

IQ tells us what someone can do; executive function tells us what they actually do.

Why Executive Function Predicts Life Outcomes Better Than IQ

Research has consistently shown that executive function skills are strong predictors of:

• Academic achievement

• Social competence

• Mental health outcomes

• Employment success

• Independent living skills

  
  

For example:

• Children with stronger executive function tend to show better classroom behaviour and learning outcomes, even when IQ is controlled for

• Difficulties in executive function are commonly observed in conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, anxiety, and depression

• Poor executive functioning is linked to challenges with self-regulation, planning, and coping with stress across the lifespan

  
  

These findings highlight that success is less about raw intelligence and more about self-regulation and adaptability.

Executive Function in Children: Why Early Support Matters

Executive function develops through repeated practice and experience. Skills such as waiting, taking turns, following multi-step instructions, and managing emotions are not automatic—they are learned over time.

Early childhood is a particularly sensitive period because:

• The brain shows high neuroplasticity

• Neural pathways strengthen through repeated, supported practice

• Skills learned early provide the foundation for later academic and emotional demands

  
  

Children who struggle with executive function may appear:

• Disorganized or forgetful

• Emotionally reactive

• “Unmotivated” or “not trying”

In reality, these behaviours often reflect lagging skills, not a lack of effort.

Executive Function Is Teachable and Trainable

Unlike IQ, executive function skills are modifiable. With appropriate support, structure, and practice, individuals can strengthen these abilities over time.

Effective strategies may include:

• Breaking tasks into manageable steps

• Using visual schedules and reminders

• Teaching emotional regulation skills explicitly

• Practicing flexible thinking in low-stress situations

• Providing consistent routines paired with gradual independence

  
  

Importantly, improvement requires repetition, consistency, and developmentally appropriate expectations.

Rethinking “Smart”

When we focus too narrowly on IQ, we risk overlooking the skills that truly enable people to thrive. Executive function underpins learning, relationships, mental health, and independence.

Rather than asking, “How smart is this person?”A more meaningful question may be:

“How well can this person manage themselves in the world?”

That is the real power of executive function.