Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman in 1995 defined it:

The ability to recognize, use, understand and consciously manage one’s own and others’ emotions

Goleman used 4 components to describe it:

• Self-awareness
• Management of the self
• Empathy
• Social Talent

Today we could simplify considering Emotional Intelligence the ability we all have, which allows us to make the emotional part of our brain dialogue with the rational one and therefore make more effective and sustainable decisions over time for us and for others.

Emotional Intelligence is increasingly valued among the most important skills in our age. The World Economic Forum 2020 ranked it in 6th place among the winning soft skills at work. Let’s think about the impact it can have in countless situations both in private and professional life: in relationships, in the leadership style adopted, in teamwork, in problem solving, in the ability to deal with changes, in decision-making processes, etc. The Emotional Quotient (EQ) is TWICE more influential than the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in predicting performance (Goleman, 1998). QE is also a better indicator of success with respect to the professional skills, knowledge or expertise of employees. QE does not replace IQ, it complements it, contributing to success in work and in life. Living with more emotional intelligence means taking back our emotions, our feelings and using them for a better quality of life.

Today there are various questionnaires that can determine each individual’s Emotional Quotient. One of the models that allows you to measure EQ and relate it to skills is that of Six Seconds, the largest network in the world that designs tools to support people in the development of their emotional, relational and social skills. Different assessment tools are used that allow you to compare yourself with data, to assess the impact of the same on the areas of success and therefore to adopt behaviors that are more in line with the desired objectives.

Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be enhanced through training, just like a muscle. Knowing how to read emotions, giving them meaning and value is the first step towards awareness of oneself and others. Through the different skills involved (to increase empathy, exercise optimism, find intrinsic motivation, pursue excellent goals, etc.) it is possible to activate new behaviors that become more functional over time, making us more effective in pursuing our goals. Putting ourselves in relations to others by building solid relationships, making us more satisfied with our life.