Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to be aware of your own emotions and to modify them when necessary. It is also the ability to understand someone else's emotions and modify them when necessary.

This may sound a bit too controlling but the intention and level of control is important. The idea of understanding emotional intelligence is not to make you manipulative nor to make you unresponsive but to help you understand what may be more appropriate in a variety of situations.

It can be difficult to control your own emotions in certain circumstances and to misunderstand why someone else is reacting in a particular manner. You have probably met someone who has over reacted at times or who often reacts very strongly to some situations. In general it is probably better to be able to select an appropriate response and determine the level of response to a situation instead of reacting in an extreme manner. People who do over react or who always react in one particular manner tend to be avoided and are unlikely to progress very far.

There has been a significant amount of research into emotional intelligence (EI) and intelligence quotient (IQ). The main thrust of the research has been around which is the better predictor of future performance. The majority of research appears to agree that EI is a far better predictor of future performance than IQ, some results even suggest that having a high IQ can adversely effect future performance. Some very clever people appear to have the ability to pass tests and exams with ease but lack the ability to apply their knowledge in a useful manner. Some clever people appear to lack the motivation to work harder than they need to in order to just about pass a test and have little interest or motivation to obtain high scores.

If you have aspirations to become a leader it is unlikely you will be successful unless you have the ability to pick appropriate emotional responses and to understand other peoples emotions. This knowledge will help you to become an effective leader with the ability to motivate other people in a manner they will find acceptable.

One of the big advantages of emotional intelligence is that it can be developed and improved. But before you try to improve your emotional intelligence it is better to find out where you are at present and identify any gaps in your abilities that can be enhanced.