What is Emotional Intelligence?
“The capability of individuals to recognize their own and other people's emotions, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, and manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or achieve one's goal(s).
Andre Goleman
Or, to put it simply, our emotional intelligence concerns how we recognise, manage and react to our own and others’ emotions. There is no known connection between IQ and EI – it is impossible to tell how emotionally intelligent a person is based on how smart they are.
Why is Emotional Intelligence Important?
Decades of research now identify EI a key factor in determining performance academically, within relationships, professionally and personally. Emotionally intelligent individuals are more likely to do well in school and work; have better relationships; and have good mental health, than those lacking the skills associated with EI.
Many of the skills and characteristics associated with good mental health, such as positive self-esteem; the ability to accept failure and to learn from it; feeling engaged with the world and one’s community, and the ability to communicate and work with others, are also linked to EI. Improved EI often leads to improved mental health, particularly in children and young people.
Employers are beginning place more emphasis on the need for emotionally intelligent employees and many interviews now include EI related questions. When identifying future leaders and managers, employers take into account individuals’ ability to work with and relate to others; communicate effectively and use emotional information to guide behavior – all signs of high EI. Employers say emotionally intelligent managers rate higher in job satisfaction and lower in levels of turnover.
Recognising Emotional Intelligence
Unlike IQ, which does not change significantly over a lifetime, EI can be acquired and improved with practice. However, because it concerns many intangible skills and characteristics, EI can be difficult to recognise, measure and, therefore, develop.
It is never too early, or indeed too late, to develop your emotional intelligence. Working on and improving the above traits and skills all increase EI and therefore contribute to good mental health, stronger relationships and improved career opportunities.
Individuals with high levels of EI tend to be;
Empathetic
They understand people and relate to them.
Balanced
They maintain a good work-life balance and recognise its importance.
Curious
They ask questions and are keen to explore possibilities, they don’t judge.
Open to change
They understand that change is a necessary part of life.
Gracious
They feel good about their own lives and give thanks easily.
Realistic
They understand that ‘perfection is impossible’.
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