What is emotional intelligence, Why do we need to improve it?

Using emotional intelligence to increase influence, fulfillment and success. What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is taking information from your own emotions and the emotions of others and then applying that knowledge in order to be more successful.

One of its key strengths is enabling us to sense and use emotions in order to manage situations better, improve decision-making and achieve positive outcomes.

By recognizing, understanding and dealing with both our own emotions to get the most out of ourselves and others.

In Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ , psychologist Daniel Goleman details five emotional competencies.

These are essential to managing ourselves and to leading people successfully:

So What is emotional intelligence? It is a combination of five levels of competence

1. Knowing your own emotions – self-awareness

Previous emotional experiences influence our decision-making so it is important to be aware of all our emotions if we are to avoid any negative cycles and, instead, make better decisions.

2. Managing your emotions

Once we can recognize these emotions, we can use this knowledge and develop strategies and responses to manage our emotions. This is true of the three main triggers to potentially negative outcomes: anger, anxiety and sadness. This is why EI is important during times of change.

3. Motivating yourself and others

It is not enough to know that you should create a supportive, enthusiastic environment; you have to know how to. In order to motivate others, we must understand individuals properly and use this information to achieve our aims. This involves being sensitive to what affects a person’s enthusiasm and then providing the right approach.

4. Recognizing emotions in others and showing empathy

To influence others and gain their trust and commitment, it is essential to understand a person’s emotions and then respond appropriately. Read more about how to build trust here

5. Handling relationships and staying connected

Whenever we relate to someone, there is an emotional transaction that passes between individuals. These interactions have an effect: they make us feel better or worse. This creates a secret economy that is the key to motivating people – a key that we can use to develop better relationships.

The competency hierarchy These emotional competencies are labelled 1–5 because they build on one another in a hierarchy. For example, we need to be able to identify our own emotional state (competency 1) if we are to manage our emotions. (competency 2). Similarly, we need to achieve the first three competencies if we are to use empathy (competency 4) to influence others positively. Finally, the first four competencies are needed to maintain good, successful and productive relationships (competency 5).

Now that you know, what is emotional intelligence, Do you want to measure your EI. How well do you score in your emotional quotient?

Take this free test to know your emotional intelligence score