Emotional intelligence

Business leadership, commercial negotiation, and dispute resolution are some contexts where emotional intelligence has become increasingly relevant and important, and professional qualifications and continual professional development are incorporating aspects of understanding emotions and developing greater insight into emotional interactions.

In life it isn't always the most intelligent people who become successful and fulfilled. It is likely that you have met people who have exceptional academic ability, but who lack social skills and are unsuccessful at work and in their personal relationships. A high intelligence quotient (IQ) alone won't make you successful in life. It is true that your IQ can help you get into college, but it is your EQ that will help you cope with the stress and emotions during final exams. A person's IQ and emotional intelligence work together to produce the greatest possible output.

What is emotional intelligence or EQ?

Emotional intelligence (also known as emotional quotient or EQ) refers to the ability to understand, identify, and manage emotions to reduce stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, solve problems, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. A strong emotional intelligence helps you build better relationships, excel at school and work, and achieve personal and professional goals. Additionally, it is a powerful tool for identifying your feelings, transforming intention into action, and making informed decisions about what truly matters to you.

In order to succeed in life and be happy, EQ is just as crucial as IQ. Develop your emotional intelligence so that you can better relate to others and achieve your goals.

According to most definitions, emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, use, comprehend, manage, and handle emotions. High emotional intelligence is reflective of the ability to recognize and label ones own emotions and the emotions of others; it is concerned with the ability to use data about emotions to guide behavior and thinking; it is concerned with the ability to be able to adjust emotions to changing environments.

EQ is more about behavior than intelligence

The Big Five Personality Traits Theory defines human behavior by identifying why we behave the way we do and provides a simple blueprint for understanding others better. In addition to helping you better understand yourself and others, this theory can also help you develop better interpersonal relationships. In the Big Five Model, also known as the Five Factor Model, the following factors are considered: the theory states that personality can boil down to five factors, known as the acronym CANOE or OCEAN (conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, extraversion). Different from other theories that categorize individuals based on their temperament (either extrovert or introvert), the Big Five Model posits that each personality trait has a spectrum of manifestations. The scale is therefore based on an individual's ranking between two extremes.

In a 2020 meta-analysis, higher emotional intelligence was associated with better academic performance. With 158 different studies and a sample size of 42,529, this report summarizes 1,246 effects from over 158 different studies. On standardized tests, students who were emotionally intelligent scored better. There was a greater effect in humanities than in science/maths, and in ability emotional intelligence (measured with objective tasks) as compared to ratings of emotional intelligence scales. Even after factoring in the impact of students' Big Five personality traits and intelligence, the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement remained significant.

How you perform at work or school. Emotional intelligence can help you navigate the complexities of social interactions in the workplace, develop leadership capabilities, and inspire others to succeed. Many companies now evaluate job candidates according to emotional intelligence as well as technical ability, and some even test for EQ before hiring.

Why is emotional intelligence so important?

Research has shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence are healthier, perform better at work, and possess more leadership skills, despite no causal relationship to be discovered. Typically, emotional intelligence is correlated with empathy because it stems from the ability to relate one's own experiences to another's. The ability to develop emotional intelligence has become widely sought after since it was popularized in recent decades.

Are the emotionally intelligent higher performers in the workplace?

Individuals with emotional intelligence are more likely to have a better understanding of themselves and to make conscious decisions based on both emotional and rational factors. It ultimately leads to the realization of one's own potential.

In some studies, emotional intelligence has been linked to job performance, in others, there has not been any correlation, and without a scientifically valid scale, it is impossible for us to know how emotionally intuitive a person is on the job or in other areas of their lives.

Several meta-analyses of emotional intelligence and job performance have found high correlations (for mixed EI and job performance). Some studies have found a positive correlation between EI and job performance; in other studies, there was no correlation or it was inconclusive. In order to explain this association, Cote and Miners (2006) propose a compensatory model where IQ and EI are correlated. In this study, the findings of the previous study were confirmed: employees with low IQ get higher task performance and organizational citizenship behavior directed at the organization, the higher their EI. Additionally, it was observed that there is no significant relationship between emotional intelligence and work attitude behavior.

EI might not necessarily be universally positive, according to a more recent study. Their results showed that EI was negatively correlated with managerial work demands; under low levels of management work demands, there was a negative correlation between EI and teamwork effectiveness. This may be due to differences in EI between men and women, as women tend to score higher on EI tests. It supports the view that job context influences the relationship between EI, teamwork effectiveness, and job performance. In another study, a connection between high EI and entrepreneurial success was discussed.

Even though studies between emotional intelligence (EI) and job performance have shown mixed results of high and low correlations, EI remains an undeniably better predictor than most hiring methods such as letters of references and cover letters. There have been 147 companies and consulting firms in the U.S. that have developed employment equity programs for training and hiring new employees since 2008. Van Rooy and Viswesvaran (2004) found that EI significantly correlated with different domains of performance, ranging from .24 for job performance to .10 for academic performance. The findings may have a variety of applications for organizations. For instance, employees high in emotional intelligence would be more aware of their own emotions and those of others, resulting in better profits and fewer unnecessary costs for companies. It is particularly important when moving abroad, since expatriate managers have to deal with mixed emotions and feelings, and are adapting to a new work culture. EI-high employees are more confident about their roles, allowing them to handle demanding tasks in a positive way.

To understand the correlation between job performance and emotional intelligence, it is important to consider the effects of managing up, which refers to the positive relationship between the employee and the supervisor. According to previous research, the quality of this relationship could interfere with the subjective evaluation of job performance. The employees with emotional intelligence devote more time to interacting with their supervisors. Thus, employees with high EI have a greater chance of achieving better performance evaluation results than those with low EI. Theoretically and methodologically, EI measures can be categorized as follows: .29 (for job performance and mixed EI).

In spite of the validity of previous findings, some researchers still question whether EI - job performance correlation has a real impact on business strategies. They assert that the popularity of EI studies is due to media advertising rather than objective scientific findings. There is also mention that the relationship between EI and job performance is not as strong as previously thought. In order for this relationship to produce significant outcomes, other constructs need to be present. For instance, previous research has shown that EI positively affects teamwork effectiveness when faced with high managerial demands, which improves performance on the job. During this task, strong emotions are activated as a result of the task's characteristics. Individuals who are emotionally intelligent show a greater range of capabilities to succeed in their roles. Emotionally intelligent employees, however, have similar levels of performance under different job contexts to their non-emotionally intelligent counterparts. Furthermore, Joseph and Newman assert that employees with high optimism and social skills will perform better under high emotional exhaustion situations.

Several studies have attempted to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership. In terms of leadership effectiveness, emotional intelligence plays a positive role, but what makes a leader effective is what he or she does with their roles, rather than their interpersonal skills and abilities. In the past, a good or effective leader would give orders and ensure the overall performance of the organization was met. These days, leaders are expected to motivate and create a sense of belongingness that will make employees feel comfortable and thus, make them more productive.

This does not mean, however, that actions are more important than emotional intelligence. Leaders must continue to grow emotionally, among other things, to deal with stressful situations and lack of balance. Empathy is one of the most important factors for emotional intelligence, so learning how to develop that is a good way to grow emotionally. A study conducted to examine the relationship between School Counselors' emotional intelligence and their leadership skills concluded that several participants were good leaders because they had learned empathy during counselor preparation.

Given that emotional intelligence is malleable, bullying prevention and intervention efforts could be greatly enhanced with the help of EI education.

The state of your mental health. A person's mental health is also affected by emotions that are uncontrolled, making them susceptible to anxiety and depression. Being unable to understand, accept, and manage your emotions will also make it hard for you to build successful relationships. Thus, you can feel alone and isolated, which in turn exacerbates any mental health issues you might have. Bullying refers to inappropriate social interactions between peers that may include aggression, harassment, and violence. Typically, bullying is repeated and perpetrated by those in positions of power over the victim. Researchers are illustrating that bullying and emotional intelligence have a significant relationship. In addition, they demonstrate that emotional intelligence plays a significant role in the analysis of cases of cybervictimization, by showing how it impacts health and social adjustments.

A person who is emotionally intelligent is highly aware of their own emotional states, even if they are negative ones, whether they are frustration or sadness. When they are able to name an emotion, they can more easily manage that emotion, since they are able to understand what they are feeling. In turn, this makes them highly self-confident and realistic about themselves.

Those with a high EQ do not make rash or impulsive decisions. Thinking precedes action. It translates into sustained emotion regulation, which reduces the intensity of the feelings evoked by an emotion. Down-regulation is the process of reducing anger or anxiety. Emotionally intelligent people can shift gears and change moods both internally and externally.

People with such a perception are particularly attuned to other people's emotions. It makes sense that one's sensitivity to emotions, both from within and from others, will increase as one gets older and in their environment could make one a better friend, parent, leader, or romantic partner. Being in tune with others is less work for others.

A person capable of empathizing with others' emotions has a talent for recognizing and understanding them. A person with a high EQ is able to understand another person's perspective clearly. Generally, empathic people are supportive of the people they know, and they are flexible with their emotions to fit the mood of others as well.

In this field, there is active debate on this subject. Personality psychologists have argued that traits such as agreeableness and charisma are more parsimonious ways of describing emotional intelligence. Someone with high charisma, for example, can read people easily and find out what is going on in a room quickly.

It is natural for us to gravitate towards those with high EQs. Their easy rapport makes us feel comfortable and at ease. They seem to be able to read social cues with superhuman ability. Some people even have the ability to read the minds of others. In the workplace, at home, and in social settings, effortlessness is welcome. Who wouldn't want a boss who has a clear understanding of how they feel and what they are trying to accomplish?

EQ as skill rather than moral quality

You and your relationships. Being able to control your emotions can help you express yourself and understand the feelings of others better. As a result, you're able to communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships, both at work and at home.

Using your emotions constructively to make decisions about your behavior will engage your EQ. A person who is too stressed can lose control of their emotions and their ability to make thoughtful and appropriate decisions.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by stress, think about it. When faced with a hard decision, were you able to think clearly and rationally? Most likely not. Whenever you become overly stressed, your ability to think clearly and to accurately assess emotions, both your own and those of others, is compromised.

When we're stressed and taken out of our comfort zones, our emotions are important pieces of information that tell us about ourselves and others. If you can control your stress levels and stay emotionally present, you can learn to experience upsetting information without being overwhelmed. Taking control of impulsive feelings and behaviors, managing your emotions, taking initiative, following through on commitments, and adapting to changing circumstances will become second nature to you.

Key skill 1: Self-management

What is the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-regulation?

Physical well-being. A person who is unable to control his or her emotions is probably also unable to control their stress. Serious health problems can result from this. As a result of uncontrolled stress, blood pressure increases, the immune system becomes suppressed, strokes and heart attacks are increased, infertility increases, and the aging process speeds up. Understanding how to handle stress is the first step in improving emotional intelligence.

The practice of mindfulness involves paying attention to what is happening right now without judgment. Most religions include a form of meditation or prayer similar to that of mindfulness cultivation. By focusing your attention on the present moment and paying attention to physical sensations and emotional responses, mindfulness helps you gain a wider perspective on life. Mindfulness makes you more focused and centered, as well as more aware of yourself.

Key skill 2: Self-awareness

Are emotionally intelligent people self-aware?

Mental health. Stress and uncontrollable emotions can also adversely affect your mental health, leaving you prone to anxiety. You'll struggle to form strong relationships if you can't understand, accept or manage your emotions. In turn, this can further exacerbate any mental health problems you have by making you feel lonely and isolated.

In order to cope with overwhelm, you must first learn how to manage stress, in order to start reconnecting with strong or unpleasant emotions and be comfortable experiencing and responding to them in a different way..

Key skill 3: Social awareness

Emotional and social awareness are enhanced by mindfulness

Social intelligence. You become more in tune with yourself when you are in tune with your emotions, which helps you connect with other people. Through social intelligence, you can determine which person is interested in you, reduce stress, balance your nervous system, and feel loved and happy.

Through social awareness, you are able to recognize and interpret the mainly verbal and nonverbal signals that your interactions with others produce. It allows you to understand how others feel, how their emotional state changes over time, and what is really important to them.

Being mindful is a key component of social awareness. When you're spending too much time thinking, scrolling through your phone, or simply lost in your own thoughts, you cannot pick up on nonverbal cues. You must be present in the moment to be socially aware. Multitasking can make you miss the subtle emotional shifts taking place in other people that help you fully understand them, even when we often pride ourselves on being able to multitask efficiently.

Key skill 4: Relationship management

Work better with emotional intelligence. As a team.

Relating to others. Understanding your emotions and controlling them helps you communicate your feelings and better understand how others feel. By doing so, you are able to communicate effectively at work and build stronger relationships in your personal life.

Learn to use non-verbal communication effectively. There's no way you can avoid sending nonverbal signals about what you're thinking and feeling to others. As you communicate your own emotions as well as read the emotional intentions of others, your face has many different muscles, especially near your eyes, nose, mouth, and forehead. No matter how much you ignore your brain's emotional messages-others won't. Taking note of your nonverbal messages can go a long way towards improving your relationships.

Observing similar nonverbal cues from groups of people can help you understand power dynamics and shared emotional experiences within the group. The short version is that you're empathetic and sociable.

In order to work well with others, you must be emotionally aware and be able to recognize and understand other people's experiences. In order to be effective, fruitful, and fulfilling in your relationships, you need to develop emotional awareness.

How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?

When we speak of emotional intelligence (EI), we refer to the capacity to perceive, control, and evaluate the feelings we have. Emotional intelligence is one of those traits that can be learned and strengthened. Others argue that it is inborn.

Expression and control of emotions are important, but so are the abilities to interpret, understand, and respond to those of others. Imagine being unable to understand why your friend is suffering, or why your coworker is feeling angry. Experts suggest that emotional intelligence can be more important than IQ in terms of your ability to be successful in life. Psychologists refer to this ability as emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence can be measured using a variety of assessments. There are two general types of tests of this nature: self-report and ability tests.

People who are emotionally intelligent understand that emotions are powerful, but also temporary. In the case of highly charged emotions, such as becoming angry at a co-worker, it would be prudent to refrain from responding right away. Everyone can then calm their emotions and think more rationally about all the factors surrounding the argument.

A person who is emotionally intelligent is not only adept at understanding how others feel, but also adept at understanding their own feelings. Individuals who are self-aware can take into consideration the many different factors contributing to their emotions.

Understanding and empathizing with how others feel is a large part of emotional intelligence. When you reflect on your response in a given situation, you are often considering what you would do.

People with high emotional intelligence are able to understand the perspectives, experiences, and emotions of others, and use this information to explain why they behave the way they do.