The What, Why, & How of Emotional Intelligence
By Ellie Eckhoff
Emotional Intelligence – What Is It?
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is 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.”1 There are many models of Emotional Intelligence. At ClearRock, we trust the EQ-i 2.0® Model of Emotional Intelligence as an effective tool in our leadership consulting and executive coaching practice.
Emotional Intelligence – Why Is It So Important?
Emotional Intelligence is proven to be a key indicator of human performance and development. People higher in EI communicate effectively, form strong relationships, and create powerful coping strategies. EI can be measured – more accessibly and less controversially than IQ – and unlike IQ, it can be substantially strengthened and developed.
“Business leaders are no longer being defined by their IQs or even their technical skills. It is their emotional intelligence that makes the difference. It is rarely for the lack of smarts or vision. Most unsuccessful leaders stumble because of one simple, fatal shortcoming. The failure is one of emotional strength.”2
During these times of uncertainty and ongoing change, recognizing and emphasizing the importance of empathy — the ability to share and understand others’ emotions — is an area of massive interest within leadership teams.
Empathic workplaces tend to demonstrate stronger collaboration, less stress and greater morale, with employees who bounce back more quickly from difficult changes such as layoff or mergers and acquisitions.
Emotional Intelligence – How Can We Increase It?
Asking for feedback and/or completing an assessment like the EQ-i 2.0® Model of Emotional Intelligence, while working with an experienced executive coach, is an effective method of enhancing areas of strength and creating strategies for action to further develop facets of emotional intelligence. Having expert support during the ups and downs that happen as learners practice operating in a new way is invaluable.
- MHS Staff. Emotional Intelligence Quotient Inventory 2.0 Technical Manual (Multi-Health SYSTEMS INC. 2011)
- Fortune Magazine, June 1999
