Emotional Intelligence (EI), often measured by the Emotional Quotient (EQ), comprises a set of skills that enable individuals to recognize, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively in themselves and others. These skills are crucial for personal and professional success. The four core skills of emotional intelligence can be categorized into two primary competencies: personal competence and social competence.
Personal Competence
Personal competence focuses on the individual’s ability to manage themselves and is divided into two skills:
- Self-Awareness
- This is the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and drivers, as well as their impact on others. Self-awareness allows individuals to understand their emotional tendencies, preferences, and how they respond to particular situations or people.
- Self-Management
- This skill involves managing, controlling, and adapting your emotions, responses, and behaviors in various situations. It includes the ability to manage stress, control impulses, and motivate oneself. Self-management enables individuals to act or not act on certain emotions and impulses, and to follow through on commitments and goals.
Social Competence
Social competence is about managing relationships with others, and it includes the following skills:
- Social Awareness
- This skill refers to the ability to accurately pick up on emotions in other people and understand what is really going on with them. This includes empathy, organizational awareness, and the ability to understand social dynamics. Social awareness enables an individual to recognize and interpret the emotions and needs of others.
- Relationship Management
- This involves the ability to use the awareness of your own emotions and those of others to manage interactions successfully. Key aspects include effective communication, inspiring and influencing others, managing conflict, nurturing relationships, and teamwork. Relationship management is critical for leading by influence, navigating social complexities, and building strong personal and professional relationships.
These four skills of emotional intelligence are interconnected and build upon one another. Mastery of these skills enables individuals to achieve greater well-being, establish healthy and productive relationships, perform effectively in leadership roles, and create positive social interactions. Developing emotional intelligence is a continuous process that involves self-reflection, practice, and feedback from others.
