EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

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Meaning of Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Emotional intelligence has been defined, by Peter Salovey and John Mayer, as "the ability to monitor one's own and other people's emotions, to discriminate between different emotions and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior".

Difference between IQ and EQ

IQ is known as “Intelligence Quotient” and it’s a measure of a person’s relative intelligence. Emotional Quotient, also known as EQ, is the ability to identify and manage your emotions and the emotions of others.

Merriam-Webster defines IQ as “a number used to express the apparent relative intelligence of a person. Determined by either the ratio of the mental age (as reported on a standardized test) to the chronological age multiplied by 100 – or a score determined by one's performance on a standardized intelligence test relative to the average performance of others of the same age. Emotional Intelligence is measured through assessments.

Traits of Emotional Intelligence (EI)

The term emotional intelligence was coined by Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990, who described it as consisting of five traits:

<ul style=”list-style-type:square”>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>Emotional Self-Awareness: The ability to monitor your own feelings and recognize emotional states as they occur.</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>Self-Management: The ability to control impulses, ensure that emotional reactions are appropriate, and understand what underlies those feelings.</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>Self-Motivation: The ability to channel emotions towards the achievement of personal goals. This includes the ability to delay gratification and stifle impulses.</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>Empathy: The ability to read other people’s emotional cues and to take their perspective, being sensitive to how their feelings may be different.</li>
<li style=”margin-bottom:13px; margin-left:8px”>Managing Relationships: The ability to react appropriately to the emotions of others as well as manage one’s own; social competence.</li>
</ul>

Significance of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Public Services

<ul style=”list-style-type:square”>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>EI helps in better targeting of Beneficiary schemes</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>EI helps in motivating the sub-ordinates especially under exigent or demanding situations</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>EI helps in appreciating the challenges of public services better and helps in reducing stress</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>EI helps in engendering policies that bring tangible improvements in the lives of the vulnerable sections of the society</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>EI act as a viable device to take relevant and sound decisions</li>
<li style=”margin-left:8px”>EI helps in bridges the communication gap and reduces the chances of mis-communication</li>
<li style=”margin-bottom:13px; margin-left:8px”>EI imparts flexibility, empathy and clarity</li>
</ul>

Ways to improve Emotional Intelligence (EI)

1. Utilize an assertive style of communicating: – Assertive communication goes a long way toward earning respect without coming across as too aggressive or too passive. Emotionally intelligent people know how to communicate their opinions and needs in a direct way while still respecting others.

2. Respond instead of reacting to conflict: – During instances of conflict, emotional outbursts and feelings of anger are common. The emotionally intelligent person knows how to stay calm during stressful situations. They don't make impulsive decisions that can lead to even bigger problems. They understand that in times of conflict the goal is a resolution, and they make a conscious choice to focus on ensuring that their actions and words are in alignment with that.

6. Practice self-awareness: -Emotionally intelligent people are self-aware and intuitive. They are aware of their own emotions and how they can affect those around them. They also pick up on others' emotions and body language and use that information to enhance their communication skills.

7. Take critique well: – An important part of increasing your emotional intelligence is to be able to take critique. Instead of getting offended or defensive, high EQ people take a few moments to understand where the critique is coming from, how it is affecting others or their own performance and how they can constructively resolve any issues.

8. Empathize with others: -Emotionally intelligent people know how to empathize. They understand that empathy is a trait that shows emotional strength, not weakness. Empathy helps them to relate to others on a basic human level. It opens the door for mutual respect and understanding between people with differing opinions and situations.

9. Utilize leadership skills: -Emotionally intelligent people have excellent leadership skills. They have high standards for themselves and set an example for others to follow. They take initiative and have great decision making and problem-solving skills. This allows for a higher and more productive level of performance in life and at work.

10. Be approachable and sociable: -Emotionally intelligent people come off as approachable. They smile and give off a positive presence. They utilize appropriate social skills based on their relationship with whomever they are around. They have great interpersonal skills and know how to communicate clearly, whether the communication is verbal or nonverbal.

ETHICS CONCEPT SERIES by TIRTHANKAR ROYCHOWDHARY SIR | ETHICS CONCEPT SERIES – ARTICLE- V

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