Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence can be developed over time and can be improved through training.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to monitor and work with your and others emotions. It is measured in EQ, which is the emotional equivalent of IQ. A technically proficient manager with a high EQ will be more successful than a manager who has only a high IQ.

You EQ is the measure of your ability to understand and interact with others and becomes more important the more people you deal with. EQ does not measure personality traits or cognitive capacity. Emotional intelligence can be developed over time and can be improved through training. Those with a high EQ will be better able to control their own emotions, while at the same time using them as a basis for action.

Working with emotions, rather than being at the mercy of them, makes individuals more successful in dealing with the demands of the environment around them. They are better able to control impulses and deal with stress, and better at problem solving. All of these qualities help the individual to perform more competently at work.

ACTION POINT: Understand the role of emotion in yourself and your team.