Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify and manage an individual’s own emotions and the emotions of the others (Bradberry & Greaves, n.d.). It is based on three skills; emotional awareness including identification of personal emotions and of others. The second skill is ability of harnessing emotions and applying tasks like problem solving and thinking, and lastly, is the ability of emotion management. Emotional intelligence physical path starts from the spinal cord at the brain, the primary senses enters here travelling to the brain front where one thinks rationally about their experiences. First, they travel along the limbic system the area which experiences emotions. Effective communication is required by emotional intelligence between the rational and emotional brain centers. 

Individuals with high EQ make great team players and leaders because of their ability to empathize, connect and understand the people around them. Carter, 2007, intelligence quotient (IQ) is a derived score from any of several standardized tests that are designed in assessing the intelligence of an individual. IQ is used in identifying with mental challenges and determining an individual academic ability. This is different from EQ which is a better indicator of identifying leaders, workplace success, individuals’ work best for themselves and good team players. IQ is more of a genetic make while EQ is learned using the five elements of Daniel Goleman framework; self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.

Emotional intelligence appraisal is a 360 degree measure and a skill-based self-report of EQ that has been developed to measure competent behavior which provides one’s emotional intelligence estimate. It uses the Daniel Goleman’s benchmark model and it is easy to score and use, and allows individuals to improve their EQ using practicle strategies based on their unique profiles (Bradberry & Greaves, n.d.). This test is ideal for trainings at work and personal use through measuring the five elements (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills). 

Moods and emotions are a central role in the process of leadership as portrayed by emotional intelligence (Goleman, Boyatzis, & McKee, 2004). This study of EQ not only helps in increasing our EQ levels but also understanding the different types of personalities and empathizes on them. People differ in the accurate expression of their emotions; alexithymics do not communicate their feelings using language and are vulnerable to several psychological problems. People also differ in ways of expressing their emotions non-verbally with body language and facial expression. EQ affects the quality of our lives as it influences our relationships and behavior and it’s more important than IQ as it can be learned, improved and changed.

References

Bradberry, T. & Greaves, J. Emotional intelligence 2.0.

Carter, P. (2007). IQ and personality tests. London: Kogan Page Ltd.Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., & McKee, A. (2004). Primal leadership. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press.