How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?

Leahcim Semaj, Ph.D. - Change Agent

“Our specie has probably gone as far as we can based on Cognitive Intelligence alone. The rest of the journey will require a greater development of Emotional Intelligence”

What is Emotional Intelligence?
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy, information and influence. EQ is not about sales tricks or how to work a room; it is not about putting a good face on things, or the psychology of control, exploitation or manipulation. Emotional Intelligence requires that we learn to acknowledge and value feelings in ourselves and others - that we appropriately respond to them, effectively applying the information and energy of emotions in our daily life and work. Emotional intelligence reflects one’s ability to deal with daily environment challenges and helps predict one’s success in life, including professional and personal pursuits. A growing body of research suggests that emotional intelligence, measured by Emotional Quotient (EQ), is a better predictor of “success” than the more traditional measures of cognitive intelligence (IQ).

A Few Principles On Emotions
All humans have basic emotional needs
Each of us has similar, but different emotional needs
Emotional needs vary more in degree than in type
Emotional needs vary more than physical needs
Emotional needs are more basic and more important than "rights"
Negative feelings are indications of our unmet emotional needs (UEN's)
Feelings are real and are not debatable.
Invalidation destroys self-esteem
High self-esteem is needed for productivity, job satisfaction, and customer service
Group harmony requires both mutual need satisfaction and mutual respect of feelings.

The Importance of Emotions
Our bodies communicate with us and others to tell us what we need
The better our communication, the better we feel
Emotions help us establish our boundaries
Emotions have the potential to unite and connect us
Emotions can serve as our inner moral and ethical compass
Emotions are essential for good decision making

Measuring Emotional Intelligence
Over the last five years we have been looking at various methods of measuring Emotional Intelligence. Presently we are most comfortable with the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i™). This assessment is based on seventeen years of research by Dr. Reuven Bar-On and tested on over 33,000 individuals worldwide. It is the first scientifically developed and validated measure of emotional intelligence. This test consists of 133 items and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. It is based on the most comprehensive theory of emotional intelligence to date and renders an overall EQ score as well as scores for the following 5 composite scales and 15 subscales:
Intrapersonal Scales: Self-Regard, Emotional Self-Awareness, Assertiveness, Independence, Self-Actualization
Interpersonal Scales: Empathy, Social Responsibility, Interpersonal Relationship
Adaptability Scales: Reality Testing, Flexibility, Problem Solving
Stress Management Scales: Stress Tolerance, Impulse Control
General Mood Scales: Optimism, Happiness

How Can EQ Testing Be Used?
This test can be employed in many ways and in a variety of settings. It is appropriate for use in corporate, clinical, educational, medical and research settings. Potential users of EQ testing include human resources professionals, organizational development consultants, career counsellors, guidance counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, and social workers. EQ testing can be used by organizations for screening as part of the recruiting process to aid in identifying potentially successful employees. It can also be employed in identifying those emotional and social skills that are important to develop in employee training programs, team building, and in enhancing managerial competencies at work.

Research indicates that there is a strong correlation between emotional intelligence and job performance. You can even create a profile of the top performers in your organization to determine what skills are most valuable in your company or for any particular position. Skills associated with emotional intelligence develop throughout life and can be improved through self-awareness and training.