Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence can be described as a person’s ability to manage own emotions and understand others’ emotions. People with emotional Intelligence have the ability to manage others’ emotions to achieve a desired goal. It is an important component in human resources planning. Emotional Intelligence involves one’s ability to identify one’s and other’s emotions and, based upon same knowledge, control the emotions to achieve a desired goal ( Mayer & Solovey )

The concept of Emotional Intelligence became hugely popular after the best selling book of Daniel Goleman named “Emotional Intelligence, Why It Can Matter More Than IQ”. It was proved that 90% of work performance is based on Emotional Intelligence and only 10% on Technical Knowledge. Until then, it was considered that IQ is solely responsible for success in life. The publication of the book, proved that people skills are equally or even more important to succeed in Life.

Emotional Intelligence can be developed in a person and usually it grows with age and maturity. As it has been proved that 90% of work related performance and Success in life depends on Emotional Intelligence, it has become important for us to analyze our emotional intelligence levels and act accordingly. Higher levels of Emotional Intelligence results in increased levels of self motivation. It also improves qualities of problem solving and decision making in a person.

An Emotionally Intelligent person communicates with everyone confidently. They communicate with respect, enthusiasm and understanding of the others’ emotions. They have the capacity to monitor their emotions and those of others, thereby managing, controlling and guiding those emotions towards achievement of specific goals and improved relationships. In 1998, Hendrie Weisinger defined Emotional Intelligent in a simple way, he said “Emotional Intelligence is the intelligent use of emotions”. Emotionally Intelligent people intentionally make emotions work for them by using them to guide, motivate and direct behavior towards achievement of an enhanced personality which is liked and admired by all.