What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is essentially the ability to recognise, manage, and use your emotions in positive and constructive ways. It is also the ability to recognise the emotional state of others and engage them in ways that create mutual safety, trust and confidence. Research shows that intellectual intelligence (IQ) has less to do with success in life than emotional intelligence (EQ). Our IQ helps us understand and navigate the world on one level, but we also need EQ, in order to improve our relations with others, hence improve our health and well- being. Emotional intelligence is directly linked to self-esteem, self-awareness, compassion, empathy, and adaptability—important predictors of health and well-being and success in life. Emotional intelligence is what helps you communicate clearly, lead others, and build powerful relationships at work and in your personal life, hence better health. Emotional intelligence also helps you motivate yourself, solve problems, and achieve your goals.
Emotional intelligence and its four fundamental capabilities.
• Self-awareness – the ability to be conscious of your emotions and recognise their impact while using gut feelings to guide your decisions.
• Self-management – the ability to control your emotions and behaviour and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Social awareness – the ability to sense, understand, and react to the emotions of others and feels comfortable socially.
• Relationship management – the ability to inspire, influence, and connect to others while managing conflict
SOURCE: HP-MOS Research Department
