Emotional Intelligence

The business community has embraced the concept of emotional intelligence and its importance ever since Daniel Goleman's best-selling book, Working with Emotional Intelligence (1998) was published. But the challenge that lies ahead is to demonstrate that such competencies can be acquired and when they are, that they significantly impact employee performance. New studies in corporations that have adopted emotional intelligence training have shown that " EI " can be learned and it is effective. When programs are implemented there are overall improvements in productivity and profits. The back page of this newsletter lists of few of these studies. Up to 90% of the difference between outstanding and average leaders is linked to emotional intelligence. " EI " is twice as important as IQ and technical expertise combined , and is four times as important in terms of overall success. Research continues to mount evidence of the effectiveness of EI training programs, yet many leaders in the business world await further quantitative analysis. Before addressing emotional competencies, they want further proof. There is reluctance to address anything " emotional " when it comes to business, even when the word " intelligence " is tacked on behind it. Emotional intelligence, or " EI, " is the ability to recognize your own feelings and those of others, and the ability to motivate yourself and others, as well as to manage your own emotions and those of others. Essentially , there are four competencies: