Hello! How are you feeling today?
An Analysis of Emotional Intelligence Apps in the context of Learning and Leading
The Trend
Self-care apps are gaining in popularity. A simple Google search of 'self-care app recommendations' will yield pages of lists, some with upwards of 40+ applications to consider to "help make life easier." While some might point the finger at the current worldwide health crisis, this trend was in the works well before that. Between 2014 and 2018, over 10,000 self-care apps were added to the iOS and Android app stores. In Q1 of 2018, the top 10 self-care apps alone earned $27 million in worldwide revenue, a 170 percent increase from the previous year.
So yes, self-care apps seem to be popular, and rightfully so. It's only natural that the very same devices that can elicit copious amounts of anxiety should be the same ones to alleviate it!
All joking aside, it's easy to understand the appeal of apps designed to help us achieve calmer, happier, and more relaxed lives. Mental well-being is important and, while no app should be a substitute for professional support, for many people, mood tracking, breathing exercises and guided meditations can provide
From 'Self-care' to 'Emotional Intelligence'
Self-care, personal zen, mindfulness, social-emotional learning...whatever you call it, the root of all of these practices is to become aware of what one is feeling and thinking, with the hope of being able to control one's behaviours. More often than not, the knee-jerk motivation is to move from a state of discomfort to a state of comfort. Then, with practice, it's possible to learn how to prevent slipping back into the states of discomfort.
However, what we're really talking about is emotional intelligence (EI).
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EI) has become mainstream in school curriculums, organizational effectiveness strategies and leadership training. It was most notably popularized in 1995 by Daniel Goleman who proposed a mixed model with five main EI constructs:
self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, empathy, and motivation.
Other EI models, such as the Ability Model and Trait Model, are also based on one's ability to perceive emotions within themselves and others. While intellectual intelligence (or IQ) is often thought of as an innate and fixed trait, EI is not innate or fixed. Instead, EI can be learned, developed, and mastered just like any other skill in life.
As we will see, EI has been shown to play an important role in academic performance and effective leadership.
Definitions
Emotional Intelligence (EI)
The ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions. People with high EI can recognize their own emotions, label them appropriately, and adjust them to adapt to environments.
Self-Awareness
The ability to consciously know one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires; the ability to develop a positive self-concept.
Social-Emotional Learning
An education practice that integrates social and emotional skills into school curriculum. Main components of social-emotional learning include self-awareness and self-management.
Leadership
A set of practical skills encompassing the ability of an individual to influence or guide other individuals, teams, or organizations.
Mindfulness
The practice of purposely bringing one's attention in the present moment without evaluation; a skill one develops through training.
Self-Efficacy
An individual's belief in their capability to execute behaviours necessary to produce specific performance. A strong sense of self-efficacy promotes human accomplishment and personal well-being.