What is Emotional Intelligence?

If you are entering the self-development world than you would have heard the term ‘Emotional Intelligence’ . Society recognises other forms of ‘traditional intelligence’ easily; Linguistic, Mathematical, Rhythmic, Kinaesthetic, and Visual. Emotional Intelligence, however, refers to Interpersonal and Intrapersonal skills.

We now know the Emotional Intelligence is key to success, in fact, It is the single biggest predictor of high performance.

But what is it?

Daniel Goleman’s work leads the way in providing a comprehensive definition:

• Emotional Intelligence is the ability to identify and name one’s emotional states and understand the link between emotions, thought and action.

• Manage one’s emotional states – control emotions or shift undesirable emotional states to more adequate ones.

• Enter into emotional states associated with a drive to achieve and be successful.

• Read, be sensitive to and influence other people’s emotions.

• Enter and sustain satisfactory interpersonal relationships.

  Sounds easy right? Apparently not. Most of us assume we have high emotional intelligence but only 36% of people can actually understand emotions as they happen to us. However, don’t be disheartened; we can develop and improve our Emotional Intelligence. How? It all begins with self-reflection. Want to know more? Watch out for my next post or get in touch