Emotional Intelligence (EI) reflects our ability to deal successfully with emotions. The capacity to identify emotions in ourselves and others, and to express these emotions, is essential for interpersonal communication.  It is also about understanding the impact of our emotions on our thoughts, decisions and actions.

Research suggests that a person’s ability to perceive, identify, and manage their emotions provides the basis for emotional competencies that are important for success.

Goleman’s EI model

Many of us are familiar with Daniel Goleman’s EI model. Goleman suggests that EI, measured by Emotional Quotient (EQ), is a better predictor of “success” than IQ (technical skills, knowledge, intellect). EQ, on the other hand includes interpersonal skills, empathy, motivation, and effective interactions. Both are important, but some research shows that EI is twice as important as IQ, in determining both personal and career success.

Developing your EI

EI can significantly be developed at any stage of life. By improving your EI, you will be able to positively influence your well-being, relationships, and results in work and life. Understanding yourself and others, and how others see you, is key to enhancing your EI, and improving personal/professional relationships, with all your stakeholders, internal and external.

The article below discusses the critical impact of EI on a hiring decision, and refers to Goleman’s work on EI. Consider the impact of EI for your recruitment, training, development, teamwork, leadership and service excellence.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3029306/why-you-should-make-emotional-intelligence-the-cornerstone-of-your-hiring-strategy?partner=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fastcompany%2Fheadlines+%28Fast+Company%29