What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to monitor, control, and evaluate emotions. This the ability to express and control one’s own emotions, along with the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. The definition of emotional intelligence has been refined into four proposed abilities:
- Perceiving emotions
- Using emotions
- Understanding emotions
- Managing emotions
People with high emotional intelligence can recognise their own emotions and those of others, use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour, differentiate feelings and label them appropriately, and adjust emotions to adapt to environments.
How is it different to IQ?
An intelligence quotient (IQ) is a score derived from a standardised test designed to assess intelligence. IQ refers to the ability to learn, understand, and apply information to skills, logical reasoning, word comprehension, math skills, abstract and spatial thinking, and filter irrelevant information. IQ test scores are calculated by comparing the test taker’s score to the average scores of other people in the same age group. People with higher IQ can think in abstract and make connections by making generalisations easier.
Why is EQ important?
Emotionally intelligent people know emotions are powerful, but also temporary. They know that when a charged emotional event happens the emotionally intelligent response is to take some time before responding.
Emotionally intelligent people have better self-awareness. Allowing them to understand the many factors that contribute to their emotions.
Emotional intelligence also about being able to think about and empathize with how other people are feeling. Including considering how you would respond if you were in the same situation. This can improve communication and conflict resolution as emotionally intelligent people approach conflict resolution in a collaborative manner.
Developing emotional intelligence can reduce stress, improving wellbeing and happiness. Happiness an wellbeing is intertwined with our self-perceptions and dispositions which benefit from higher emotional intelligence.