What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to identify and manage your emotions in a positive way – and to effectively handle the emotions of others in your life. It consists of four key abilities:

1. The ability to be self-aware– This is being able to identify, understand and handle both your positive and negative emotions. It includes being aware of your “buttons” or your triggers, and knowing when you need to step back and regroup.

2. The ability to manage powerful feelings and reactions – This is being able to control impulsive feelings so you respond in a healthy, constructive ways. Also, being able to adapt to unexpected demands, or to changes to your plans at the drop of a hat.

3. Being socially aware – Having the ability to read and understand the needs, concerns and emotions of others. This includes being sensitive to body language, and picking up on social rules. (This applies to group dynamics and cultural norms, as well.)

4.Being able to relate effectively to others – Being able to build and maintain relationships, to communicate clearly and effectively, to work with other people as part of a team, and being able to apply conflict resolution skills.

 In summary, EQ is related to acquiring skills in the following areas:

Skill 1: Being able to quickly reduce our personal stress.

Skill 2: Being aware of, and in tune with our feelings at all times – so we remain their master, and can choose how we will be.

Skill 3: Being able to connect with the people in our lives through the use of body language, or nonverbal messages.

Skill 4: Being able to use humor to dissipate emotions and deal with the problems and the challenges we face.

Skill 5: Being skilled in problem solving and conflict resolution.