Emotional Intelligence

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Introduction

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is important because it has been shown to predict success more than twice as well as IQ and technical abilities combined.  It is our ability to leverage our strengths, interact well with others, and manage stress that determines our level of success.  There are several popular models of Emotional Intelligence and still much academic debate around the concept.  Most models include the following factors as being part of emotional intelligence 1)  the ability to understand and manage, our own emotions; 2) the ability to understand and manage others’ emotions, 3) the ability to manage stress and be self-motivated.  The great value of the Emotional Intelligence concept is that, unlike IQ which measures one’s intellectual abilities and potentials, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) predicts actual performance in the world.  Improving your emotional intelligence can make significant increases in your success and satisfaction in life.

The concept of Emotional Intelligence goes far back into the history of psychology.  The actual term ‘Emotional Intelligence’ first originated with Drs. Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990 to describe for the human ability to understand and engage in meaningful social interactions.   They conceived Emotional Intelligence in terms of abilities rather than as a measure of performance.  Along with Dr. David Caruso, they developed and published the the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT™).  The MSCEIT remains the only scientifically validated, ability-based test of EI published to date.

Reuven Bar-On devised another model of Emotional Intelligence that focused on performance and predictors of success in the world.  He created the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i®).  This self-assessment measures the traits that lead to success and those that stand in the way of progress.  The EQi  is particularly useful in personal and professional development. The EQi is the most valid and reliable performance measure of Emotional Intelligence available today.
Dan Goleman authored a successful book in 1995 on the subject entitled Emotional Intelligence.   Goleman's book increased the popularity of Emotional Intelligence with business leaders and also created widespread public interest in the topic.  He then went on to co-author other books which further demonstrated the importance of Emotional Intelligence skills in the business environment.  Goleman and his co-author Richard Boyatzis developed a competency model of EI, focusing on how emotional competency resulted in outstanding performance in a business environment.  Research has demonstrated that an individual's Emotional Intelligence is often a more accurate predictor of success than the individual's IQ. No matter how intellectually intelligent someone is, their success is still governed by how well they communicate their ideas and interact with their peers.

At Foremost Leadership, we use the EQi to assess Emotional Intelligence for individuals, teams, and entire organizations.  As mentioned above, the EQi is the most valid and reliable performance indicator of Emotional Intelligence available today.  According to BarOn model of Emotional Intelligence, there are 5 main factors and 15 components within them.  I have arranged the components to fit within the three main Leadership and Emotional Intelligence skills we develop at Foremost Leadership.   My abbreviated description of them are as follows.


Emotional Intelligence Components Related to Leadership Mastery


•  Emotional Self-Awareness - refers to how aware you are of your feelings, your ability to distinguish among different feelings, know why you’re feeling the way you are, and to recognize the impact your feeling have on others.

•  Self-Regard - The ability accept and respect yourself just the way you are.  The ability to know your strengths and weaknesses and still feel good about yourself.  Being able to acknowledge and admit one’s mistakes without feelings of personal inadequacy and inferiority.

•  Assertiveness - The ability to express your true feelings and beliefs, and to stand up for your rights without being aggressive or abusive.

•  Independence - The ability to make decisions and take action without fearing the emotional reactions of others.  They may consult others before making decisions, but their decisions do not depend upon the approval or disapproval of others.

•  Self-Actualization -  The ability to realize your potential through meaningful activities.


Additional Emotional Intelligence Skills Related to Leadership Mastery

•  Problem Solving - The ability to identify and define problems as well as to generate and implement effective solutions.

•  Reality Testing - The ability to size up the immediate situation and see things based on objective evidence rather than how you would like them to be or how you fear them to be.

•  Flexibility - The ability to adapt and change when confronted with unfamiliar, unpredictable, and changing circumstances.  The ability to be tolerant of different ideas, perspectives, and ways of doing things.


Emotional Intelligence Skills Related to Relationship Mastery

•  Interpersonal Relationships - The degree to which you establish mutually satisfying relationships with others that cultivate intimacy and reciprocal interactions.  The desire to cultivate friendly relations with others, the ability to feel at ease and comfortable in such relationships, and having positive expectations concerning social relations.

•  Empathy - The ability to be aware of the emotions of others and to respond to them in understanding and  compassionate ways, even if you don’t agree with them.

•  Social Responsibility - The degree to which you are a responsible, contributing, constructive member of society and your social group.  Acting in a responsible manner and for the good of others, even though you may not benefit immediately and personally.  A basic concern for the well-being of others.

Emotional Intelligence Skills Related to Stress Mastery

•  Happiness - feel satisfied with your life, enjoy yourself and others, and have fun.

•  Optimism - The ability to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.

•  Stress Tolerance - The ability to meet adverse situations in a calm and composed manner without becoming emotionally hijacked and to bring creative and resourceful solutions to the situation.

•  Impulse Control - The ability to manage your emotions without letting them take over and direct your behavior.  The ability to ‘look before you leap’ and make decisions based on higher sensibilities rather than emotional reactivity in the moment.

How Emotionally Intelligence Are You?

The way we see ourselves is often quite different from the way others see us and the impact we have on them.  Without a clear picture of how we actually affect others, it’s difficult to know where to focus in order to have a more powerful positive impact in the world.  Our Emotional Intelligence assessments can help you identify the areas where you are strong and the areas you need to develop in order to achieve superstar performance.  We use the EQi, the most reliable and valid measure of emotional intelligence available today.  You can take the EQi online as a self-report measure or have friends and colleagues rate you in a 360 format.  Contact us to schedule an assessment and take your life to greater levels of success and harmony.