Emotional Intelligence Overview

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

• Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one's emotions and the emotions of others effectively.
• EI involves recognizing, expressing, and responding appropriately to emotional states in oneself and others.

Historical Background of EI

• 1930s: Edward Thorndike introduced Social Intelligence, emphasizing the understanding of others' internal states.
• 1940s: David Wechsler pointed out non-cognitive aspects of intelligence, linking soft skills with success in life.
• 1950s: Abraham Maslow suggested that emotional strength enables open and vulnerable responses to intense emotions.
• 1975: Howard Gardner introduced Multiple Intelligences, identifying interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence as crucial alongside IQ.
• 1985: Wayne Payne coined the term "emotional intelligence" in his dissertation.
• 1987: Keith Beasley first published the term "Emotional Quotient" (EQ) in Mensa Magazine, paralleling emotional intelligence.
• 1990s: Psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer defined emotional intelligence in a groundbreaking article.
• 1995: Daniel Goleman's book "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ" popularized the concept, linking emotional intelligence to self-control and motivation.
• 1997: Reuven Bar-On introduced the term EQ to represent emotional intelligence as an array of non-cognitive capabilities.

Models of EI

Mayer and Salovey's Four-Branch Model

• Perception of Emotion: Ability to recognize and accurately express emotions.
• Use of Emotion to Facilitate Thinking: Understanding how emotions influence thought processes.
• Understanding of Emotion: Ability to comprehend and identify complex emotions and transitions between them.
• Management of Emotion: Capacity to regulate emotions in oneself and help others manage their emotions.

Goleman’s Competency Model

• A performance-based model assessing emotional intelligence in the workplace.
• Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s emotions and their impact on performance.
• Self-Regulation: Ability to manage one’s emotions and make thoughtful decisions.
• Motivation: Intrinsic drive to achieve beyond expectations, fostering optimism and perseverance.
• Empathy: Awareness and consideration of others' feelings, essential for building rapport.
• Social Skills: Effective interpersonal skills that promote healthy relationships and organizational success.

Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Quadrant

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing and understanding one's emotions and their effects on others; involves emotional awareness and reflection.
• Self-Management: Flexibly managing one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions to achieve desired results and maintain relationships.
• Social Awareness: Accurately reading the emotions of others and understanding their perspectives through empathy.
• Relationship Management: Combining self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness to navigate social interactions successfully; encompasses conflict management, teamwork, and influence.

Key Concepts

• Emotional intelligence integrates various competencies that amplify personal and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Emotional awareness is enhanced through a reflective process, allowing individuals to manage emotions constructively.
• Goleman's framework emphasizes that emotional intelligence can be developed and is crucial for success in personal and professional contexts.