Emotional Intelligence

It used to be called charisma, soft skills, people skills... an intangible something that separated those who succeed from those who didn't. The common performance indicators - intelligence, education, experience and personality – were simply not good enough predictors. That missing ingredient has now been identified as Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence is probably best defined as the ability to manage ourselves and relate to others; it is often defined as street smarts or common sense; or our ability to make our way in a complex world. Emotionally intelligent people form strong relationships, communicate effectively, are authentic, develop trust and cope effectively in difficult circumstances... emotionally unintelligent people do not.

Here's a look at the five foundations of Emotional Intelligence and the associated skills:

(EQ-i 2.0 Model, Multi Health Systems Inc.)

• Self-Perception – Emotional Self-Awareness, Self-Regard, Self Actualization
• Self-Expression – Emotional Expression, Independence, Assertiveness
• Interpersonal – Interpersonal Relationships, Empathy, Social Responsibility
• Decision Making – Impulse Control, Reality Testing, Problem Solving
• Stress Management – Flexibility, Stress Tolerance, Optimism

What is exciting, is that not only can our Emotional Intelligence be measured, but it can be improved! You can actually learn the skills of Emotional Intelligence. The stronger your Emotional Intelligence, the greater your chances for success – whatever success means to you!

Read the article: Emotional Intelligence – Do you need it? Do you have it?

We offer:

• Public workshops on Emotional Intelligence through the Manitoba Quality Network (QNET)
• In-house workshops designed to the specific needs and desired outcomes of your organization.
• Group coaching on the skills of Emotional Intelligence.
• Individual EQ-i assessments and debrief sessions.
• Individual coaching to enhance your own Emotional Intelligence.

Book Review

The EQ Edge is an engaging, practical, easy to read book that clearly defines emotional intelligence, provides self assessment questions to help you gage your own emotional intelligence and offers practical exercises to improve your performance in your professional and personal life. As the skills of emotional intelligence are the skills required by effective leaders, it is a must read for all leaders, and aspiring leaders.

Emotional Intelligence is defined as "a set of emotional and social skills that influence the way we perceive and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges and use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way." The five foundations of emotional intelligence are Self Perception, Self Expression, Interpersonal, Decision Making, and Stress Management. Each foundation has three distinct set of skills that can be measured and developed.

Read the full review ►