WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It involves a range of skills, including empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, and social skills.
Emotional intelligence is an important aspect of interpersonal communication and can impact relationships, personal and professional success, and overall well-being.
The term was first coined in 1990 by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey but was later popularised by psychologist Daniel Goleman.
Emotional intelligence is typically broken down into four competencies:
Self-awareness
Self-management
Social awareness
Relationship management
According to Daniel Goleman, writing in Working With Emotional Intelligence, the research from the Harvard Business School shows that EQ counts for twice as much as IQ and technical skills combined in determining who will be successful.
A 2003 Harvard Business Review article reported that 80% of competencies that differentiate top performers from others are in the domain of emotional intelligence. Our years of working with leading-edge organisations around the world have shown us that the most productive people are those who have high emotional intelligence.
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:
Emotionally intelligent people can spot when others are feeling sad, happy, or angry and often understand what others might be thinking, without being told.
People with strong emotional intelligence are a lot more fun to be around and work with.
Emotional intelligence is about being “in touch” with your feelings and recognizing the feelings of others. It’s also about knowing how your actions affect others.
Have Self-confidence and self-acceptance.
An awareness of personal strengths and limitations.
You let go of mistakes and don’t hold grudges.
You don’t seek perfection.
You’re funny and have a good sense of humour.
If you can identify and talk about feelings, accept mistakes and change with ease, have empathy for others, and challenge yourself regularly, you’re one of the lucky ones.
Test your emotional intelligence here: How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?
You can read signs of low emotional intelligence here: Signs of Low Emotional Intelligence
While IQ (intelligence quotient) is an important measure of cognitive ability, emotional intelligence is considered by many to be equally, if not more important, for success and well-being in life.
Here are some reasons why we think emotional intelligence is more important than IQ:
Emotional intelligence is essential for successful interpersonal relationships: Unlike IQ, which primarily measures cognitive ability, emotional intelligence is focused on the ability to recognize and manage emotions. This is particularly important for successful interpersonal relationships, which require empathy, communication skills, and an understanding of others’ emotions.
Emotional intelligence can lead to better decision-making: Individuals with high emotional intelligence are better able to regulate their emotions and make decisions based on logic and reason, rather than being driven solely by their emotions.
Emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership: Successful leaders require a range of skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, manage relationships, and inspire and motivate others. Emotional intelligence is a key component of effective leadership.
Emotional intelligence is linked to greater well-being: Research has shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence tend to have better mental health, stronger relationships, and greater overall well-being.
Here are some interesting facts about emotional intelligence:
Emotional intelligence involves both cognitive and emotional skills: While emotional intelligence is often associated with emotions and feelings, it also involves cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, reasoning, and critical thinking.
Emotional intelligence is related to physical health: Research has found that individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to have better physical health, including lower rates of chronic diseases and longer lifespans.
Emotional intelligence can be developed through therapy: Therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and emotion-focused therapy can help individuals improve their emotional intelligence by teaching them new skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal relationships.
Emotional intelligence can help prevent burnout: Burnout is a common problem among professionals, but developing emotional intelligence skills such as self-awareness and stress management can help prevent burnout and improve job satisfaction.
Emotional intelligence can be measured using standardised tests: There are several standardised tests available to measure emotional intelligence, including the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) and the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i).
Emotional intelligence is not the same as personality: While personality traits such as agreeableness and openness to experience are related to emotional intelligence, they are not the same thing. Emotional intelligence involves specific skills and abilities related to recognizing and managing emotions.
Emotional intelligence is not fixed: While some people may be naturally more emotionally intelligent than others, research has shown that emotional intelligence can be developed and improved with practice and training.
Emotional intelligence is correlated with better mental health: Individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Emotional intelligence is linked to better job performance: Individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to be better at managing stress, communicating effectively, and building positive relationships with coworkers, all of which are important for job performance.
Emotional intelligence can be taught in schools: Some schools have started incorporating emotional intelligence training into their curriculum, in recognition of its importance for academic success and well-being.
Emotional intelligence is linked to better leadership: Studies have shown that leaders with higher emotional intelligence tend to be more effective at motivating and inspiring their team, building trust, and managing conflict.
Emotional intelligence is important for social justice: Developing emotional intelligence can help individuals recognize and challenge their own biases, as well as work towards greater empathy and understanding of others from diverse backgrounds.
These facts highlight the importance of emotional intelligence for personal and professional success, as well as the potential for developing emotional intelligence to improve mental health and promote social justice.
Here are a few strange and intriguing facts about emotional intelligence:
Women tend to have a slight edge in emotional intelligence: Studies have shown that, on average, women tend to score slightly higher in emotional intelligence assessments compared to men. This difference is attributed to various factors, including societal expectations and upbringing, but it highlights that emotional intelligence is not solely determined by biological factors.
Emotional intelligence can be contagious: Emotions are contagious, and research has shown that individuals with higher emotional intelligence can positively influence the emotional state of those around them. When interacting with someone who possesses high emotional intelligence, there is a greater likelihood of experiencing positive emotions and improved social dynamics.
Dogs can exhibit emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence is not limited to humans; animals can also demonstrate emotional intelligence, particularly dogs. Dogs have been observed to be highly sensitive to human emotions and can display empathy, understanding, and even offer comfort during times of distress.
Cultural differences can influence emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence can vary across different cultures. Cultural norms, values, and socialization practices play a role in shaping emotional intelligence skills. For example, cultures that emphasize collectivism may prioritize empathy and interpersonal harmony, while individualistic cultures may emphasize assertiveness and self-expression.
Emotional intelligence is not the same as being overly emotional: While emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions, it does not mean being excessively emotional or prone to emotional outbursts. On the contrary, individuals with high emotional intelligence are skilled at recognizing and regulating their emotions appropriately in various situations.
Emotional intelligence can be measured in infants: Researchers have developed methods to assess emotional intelligence in infants as young as six months old. These assessments focus on observing the infant’s social responsiveness, emotional expressions, and ability to regulate emotions, providing insights into the early development of emotional intelligence.
Higher emotional intelligence is linked to better financial outcomes: Studies have found a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and financial success. Individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to make better financial decisions, negotiate more effectively, and exhibit greater financial responsibility and resilience.
Emotional intelligence can improve creativity: Emotional intelligence and creativity are interconnected. Research suggests that individuals with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to engage in creative thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. The ability to understand and manage emotions can enhance cognitive flexibility and open new avenues for creative expression.
Musical training can enhance emotional intelligence: Learning to play a musical instrument or engaging in musical training has been found to positively impact emotional intelligence. Musical training requires sensitivity to tone, rhythm, and expression, which can enhance one’s ability to perceive and understand emotions in both music and everyday life.
Emotional intelligence can be influenced by birth order: Studies suggest that birth order can play a role in the development of emotional intelligence. First-born children often exhibit higher levels of emotional intelligence compared to their younger siblings. This may be due to the increased responsibility and caretaking roles they often assume in the family, leading to the development of stronger emotional skills.
Emotional intelligence can be impaired in certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain psychiatric disorders, can impair emotional intelligence. Damage to specific brain regions involved in emotional processing and regulation can impact an individual’s ability to understand and respond to emotions.
Emotional intelligence training can improve academic performance: Incorporating emotional intelligence training in educational settings has shown positive effects on academic performance. Students who receive training in emotional intelligence skills demonstrate better self-regulation, improved social relationships, and increased academic engagement and achievement.
Emotional intelligence can influence decision-making in legal contexts: Emotional intelligence can have implications in legal contexts, such as jury decision-making. Jurors with higher emotional intelligence may be more sensitive to emotional cues and better able to understand and interpret the emotions of witnesses and defendants, potentially influencing their decision-making processes.
How to improve your Emotional Intelligence:
Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your own emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Notice how different situations and people affect you emotionally.
Develop self-regulation skills: Work on managing your own emotions, such as anger or anxiety, in a healthy and productive way.
Learn how to delay gratification and manage impulses.
Build empathy: Try to see things from another person’s perspective and understand their emotions. Practise active listening and ask questions to understand their point of view.
Work on communication skills: Learn how to express yourself clearly and effectively, and listen actively to others. Practice assertiveness and avoid passive or aggressive communication styles.
Cultivate social skills: Build positive relationships with others, including coworkers, friends, and family. Develop teamwork skills, conflict resolution skills, and networking skills.
Practice stress management: Learn techniques to manage stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or exercise. Identify triggers that cause stress and develop coping mechanisms.
Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from others to gain insight into how you are perceived and how you can improve. Be open to constructive criticism and work on areas for improvement.
Develop problem-solving skills: Practice identifying problems and generating solutions. Work on decision-making skills and use a logical, rational approach to solve problems.
Develop mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment and fully aware of your thoughts and emotions. This can help you better regulate your emotions and increase your self-awareness.
Practice gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate a sense of gratitude. This can help you manage negative emotions and develop a more positive outlook.
Build resilience: Work on developing resilience in the face of challenges or setbacks. This can help you bounce back from difficult situations and avoid being overwhelmed by negative emotions.
Seek out diverse experiences: Exposure to diverse people, cultures, and perspectives can help you develop empathy and a better understanding of others.
Build a support network: Develop a network of supportive friends and family members who can help you manage stress and provide emotional support.
Read and learn about emotions: Read books, and articles, or take courses that teach you more about emotions, emotional intelligence, and related topics.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind and compassionate to yourself, even when you make mistakes or experience negative emotions.
By practising these strategies and making a conscious effort to improve your emotional intelligence, you can become more self-aware, empathetic, and skilled at managing your own emotions and relationships.
Overall, emotional intelligence is a complex and multifaceted construct that involves both cognitive and emotional skills and can have important implications for physical and mental health, job performance, and interpersonal relationships.