06-02-2013, 04:40 PM
Understanding and Developing Emotional Intelligence
UnderstanDeveloping.pdf (Size: 630.13 KB / Downloads: 27)
Introduction
The intelligence quotient, or IQ, is a score derived from one of
several different standardized tests to measure intelligence.1
It has been used to assess giftedness, and sometimes underpin
recruitment. Many have argued that IQ, or conventional
intelligence, is too narrow: some people are academically
brilliant yet socially and interpersonally inept.2 And we know
that success does not automatically follow those who possess
a high IQ rating.
Wider areas of
intelligence enable
or dictate how successful we are. Toughness,
determination, and vision help. But emotional
intelligence, often measured as an emotional
intelligence quotient, or EQ, is more and more
relevant to important work-related outcomes
such as individual performance, organizational
productivity, and developing people because its
principles provide a new way to understand and
assess the behaviors, management styles, attitudes,
interpersonal skills, and potential of people. It is
an increasingly important consideration in human
resource planning, job profiling, recruitment
interviewing and selection, learning and
development, and client relations and customer
service, among others.
Definition
Emotional intelligence describes the ability, capacity, skill, or self-perceived ability to identify, assess, and
manage the emotions of one’s self, of others, and of groups. People who possess a high degree of emotional
intelligence know themselves very well and are also able to sense the emotions of others. They are affable,
resilient, and optimistic. Surprisingly, emotional intelligence is a relatively recent behavioral model: it was
not until the publication of Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
that the term became popular.3
Benefits
By developing their emotional intelligence
individuals can become more productive
and successful at what they do, and help
others become more productive and
successful too. The process and outcomes
of emotional intelligence development
also contain many elements known
to reduce stress—for individuals and
therefore organizations—by moderating conflict; promoting understanding and relationships; and fostering
stability, continuity, and harmony. Last but not least, it links strongly with concepts of love and spirituality.4
The Model
Individuals have different personalities, wants, needs, and ways of showing their emotions. Navigating
through this requires tact and shrewdness—especially if one hopes to succeed in life. This is where
emotional intelligence theory helps. In the most generic
framework, five domains of emotional intelligence cover
together personal (self-awareness, self-regulation, and
self-motivation) and social (social awareness and social
skills) competences.5 They are
• Self-Awareness
(i) Emotional awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions and their effects.
(ii) Accurate self-assessment: Knowing one’s strengths and limits.
(iii) Self-confidence: Sureness about one’s self-worth and capabilities.
• Self-Regulation
(i) Self-control: Managing disruptive emotions and impulses.
(ii) Trustworthiness: Maintaining standards of honesty and integrity.
(iii) Conscientiousness: Taking responsibility for personal performance.