Emotional intelligence is an ability distinct from academic intelligence – the cognitive capacities measured by IQ. These two different kinds of intelligences express the activity of different parts of the brain.
“Emotional intelligence is being able to monitor and regulate one’s own and others’ feelings to guide thought and action.” – Peter Salovey, Yale and John Mayer, University of New Hampshire
Five Key Emotional and Social Competences
● Self-awareness: Understanding what we are feeling at the moment, and using those preferences to guide our decision making; having a realistic assessment of our own abilities and a well-grounded sense of self-confidence.
● Self-regulation: Handling our emotions so that they facilitate rather than interfere with the task at hand’ being conscientious and delaying gratification to pursue goals; recovering well from emotional distress.
● Motivation: Using our deepest preferences to move and guide us toward our goals to help us take initiative and strive to improve and to persevere in the face of setbacks and frustrations.
● Empathy: Sensing what people are feeling, being able to take their perspective and cultivating rapport and attunement with a broad diversity of people.
● Social Skills: Handling emotions in relationships well and accurately reading social situations and networks; interacting smoothly; using these skills to persuade and lead, negotiate and settle disputes for cooperation and teamwork.
Did you know that a SA pioneer Prof. Reuven Bar-on has designed the gold standard in EQ tests in the world? Known as the Reuven Bar-on EQi, the assessment is the only one recognised by the SA Medical and Dental Council of SA.
My Pocket Coach is an online coaching platform that can assist you to measure and manage your emotional intelligence competencies. For more information view their website on www.mypocketcoachapp.com or make a booking via [email protected]
