Emotional intelligence refers to the capacity to;
1. recognize our own feelings and those of others,
2. motivate ourselves
3. manage emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships.
It describes abilities distinct from, but complimentary to, academic or cognitive intelligence. One may be intellectually intelligent, but emotionally disabled. This manifests in many forms, but most notably in relationships and during times of adversity. Emotional intelligence is related to or encompasses psychological hardiness, mental toughness or dispositional resilience and is characterized by attributes of character. Thus, anyone with due attention, practice and patience can acquire them. Herein lie one of the fundamental differences between the two forms of intelligence. Intellectual intelligence is purported to be relatively static throughout life (although this is seriously questioned) whereas emotional intelligence is not genetically determined and consequently, within the realm of anyone’s capacity to acquire.
For emotional intelligence to transfigure into emotional competence requires five essential elements:
Ø self-awareness
Ø motivation
Ø self-regulation
Ø empathy
Ø adeptness at relationships
For example; for a parent to appropriately respond to the needs of a child involves an emotional competence based on empathy. To avoid succumbing to the increased stressors of parenting requires the emotional competency of self-regulation.
Simply being high in emotional intelligence does not guarantee a person will have learned the emotional competencies necessary; it means only that they have excellent potential to apply them. A person might be highly empathic for example, and yet not have learned the skills based on empathy that translate into competencies like skillful communicating, effective teaching or good companionship relations.
Emotional competencies cluster into groups, each based on a common underlying emotional intelligence capabilities. The underlying emotional intelligence capacities are vital if individuals are to successfully learn the competencies necessary to succeed more fully in their personal pursuits and more particularly as a leader. If they are deficient in social skills, meaningful interactions will prove challenging. If they have little self-awareness, they will be oblivious to their own weaknesses, be resistant to change and tend to project their own inadequacies onto others. Certainty about strengths builds confidence. Awareness of one’s own weaknesses is a stepping stone to humility and a catalyst for change.
Personal Competence
These competencies determine how we manage ourselves--
Self Awareness: Knowing one’s internal states, preferences and resources
Emotional awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions and the thoughts underlying them
Accurate self-assessment: Knowing one’s strengths and limits
Self confidence: A strong sense of one’s self worth & capabilities
Self Regulation: Managing one’s internal states, impulses and resources
Self –Control: Keeping disruptive emotions and impulses in check
Trustworthiness: Maintaining standards of honesty and integrity
Adaptability: Flexibility in handling change
Motivation
Emotional tendencies that guide or facilitate reaching goals
Achievement drive: Striving to improve - meet a standard of excellence
Commitment: Invested in the process, do not easily give up
Initiative: Readiness to act on opportunities
Optimism: Persistence in pursuing goals despite obstacles and setbacks
Social Competence
These competencies determine how we handle relationships
Empathy: Awareness of others’ feelings, needs and concerns
Understanding others: Sensing others’ feelings and perspectives and taking an active interest in their concerns
Developing others: Sensing others’ development needs and building capacity
Service Orientation: Anticipating recognizing, and meeting needs
Leveraging diversity: Maximizing productivity while acknowledging different cultural norms and temperaments
Group Dynamics: Reading a groups emotional currents and power relationships
Social Skills: Adeptness at inducing desirable responses from others
Influence: Wielding effective tactics for persuasion
Communication: Listening openly and sending convincing messages
Leadership: Inspiring and guiding individuals and groups
Change catalyst: Initiating or managing change
Collaboration and cooperation: working with others toward shared goals
Team capabilities: Creating group synergy in pursuing goals
Comments