Emotional Intelligence

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and understand your own emotions as well as others. We can use this awareness to guide our thoughts and behaviour. Having emotional intelligence helps manage our emotions and to respond effectively to the emotions of other people. I believe EI is important because it helps us to build stronger relationships and communicate effectively. This helps us to make better decisions and also achieve greater success and well-being.

How is EQ Different to IQ?

IQ: focuses on cerebral abilities, problem-solving, reasoning, thinking speed and memory. IQ also anticipates academic achievements and to some extent professional success.
EQ: mainly focuses on emotional awareness, social skills and relationships. It anticipates success in interpersonal relationships, leaderships and teamwork.

Why Is EQ Important?

EQ can be seen as a key factor in personal and professional success. It can help us to build stronger relationships, have compassion and manage our emotions/self regulate so whenever we do get frustrated we don't lash out on someone else, instead we should find ways to calm ourselves; regulate our emotions and revisit the problem. EQ also helps us to have empathy. It also helps us to build social skills; this applies emotional awareness and understanding to interact and communicate effectively with other people. Humans are social beings, so it makes sense to practice EQ. It also aids us to have a better understanding about ourselves and helps us to be nicer to ourselves.