Emotional Intelligence

Emotional IntelligenceWhat is Below the Surface Joshua WillardUMUC Europe HRMN 302

Main PointsWhat is Emotional Intelligence?How can it be used in the workplace?How to improve Emotional Intelligence?How does it compare with IQ?

Emotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence(EI) is the understanding of ones own and others emotions. This includes being able to perceive, control and evaluate said emotions.(Cherry)In the early 1990s Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer have been leading the discoveries of EI.EI is broken down into four separate branchesPerceivingReasoningUnderstandingManaging

PerceivingThe first step in comprehending emotions is to recognize and distinguish them through non-verbal communication.Facial expressions and Body Language are the top two noticeable signs on ones emotions.We as humans are hard-wired to detect others emotions to a degree.As we are clued into an individuals emotions we are then able to develop a plan to reason with them.

ReasoningWhen reasoning with emotions you are using them to promote positive outcomes towards goals.To reason with emotions, you are capitalizing on current moods.It is a way to facilitate thought using emotions(Mayer).

UnderstandingExpressed emotions portray information about you.Their emotions foreshadow their possible actions.Interpreting emotions can be beneficial in reaching desired outcomes.

ManagingManaging emotions is a mixture of the previous branches.Regulating ones own and others emotions can be used to reach desired outcomes or social goals.According to Salovey and Mayer, The branches are in ascending order of intelligence.

EI at the WorkplaceEmpathy makes leaders in the workplace.EI provides information about a person, and gives direction on how to confront them.Helps in achieving your goals in understanding how people think.

Improving EIIn order to improve EI, there are five basic steps that need to be taken(Segal & Smith)Quickly reduce stressEmotional awarenessNonverbal communicationUtilizing humor and playResolve conflict positively

Compared with IQSuccessful interaction between people is not based solely on IQ test(Walsh-Portillo).IQ gives students an advantage in college, it does not help in social interaction.The ability to comprehend emotions and understand individuals is considered a greater skill.

Pyramid of EI

SummaryEmotional Intelligence is understanding the emotions of others and own.The different branches of EI.EI benefits the workplace.EI can be improved.Although underrated by IQ, EI is arguably more important.

ReferencesCherry, K.(2013). What is Emotional Intelligence? Definitions, History, and Measures of Emotional Intelligence. Retrieved From: http://psychology.about.com/od/personalitydevelopment/a/emotionalintell.htmKarnaze, M. (2009, March 31). Salovey and Mayer on Emotional Intelligence (1990). [Blog]. Retrieved From: http://mindfulconstruct.com/2009/03/31/salovey-mayer-on-emotional-intelligence-1990/Segal, J., & Smith, M. (2013). Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Retrieved From:http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq5_raising_emotional_intelligence.htmMayer, J. D., (n.d.). The Four Branch Model of Emotional Intelligence. Retrieved From:http://www.unh.edu/emotional_intelligence/index.htmlWalsh-Portillo, J. G., U.S. (2011). Emotional Intelligence and College Students. FIU Electronic Thesis and Dissertations,1(1), 19-23. Retrieved From:http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1598&context=etd