INTEGRAL ORGANIZATION CONSULTING, LLC
Peter D. Freeman, Ed.D., MBA, LICSW
Emotional Intelligence – what it is, why it is important
IQ is no longer enough to guarantee success. We have to deal with our own and others' humanness if we want to maximize our IQ potential. IQ and EQ are a potent combination.
Extensive research by Bar-on, Salovey and Mayer, Goleman, and others over the past thirty years continues to demonstrate how social and emotional functioning makes the difference in success.
The EQ-i Model of Emotional Intelligence
The EQ-i is a self-report instrument developed by Dr. Reuven Bar-on through over 17 years of research and testing. It is an excellent tool to provide feedback on an individual's, or team's, strengths and challenges in social and emotional functioning.
The instrument findings are presented in five realms: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Adaptability, Stress Management, and General Mood. Fifteen competencies are distributed among the five realms. The descriptions below were drawn from The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success by Steven J. Stein, Ph.D. and Howard E. Book, M.D.
Intrapersonal Realm
Emotional Self-Awareness
Assertiveness
Independence
Self-Regard
Self-Actualization
This realm of emotional intelligence concerns what we generally refer to as the “inner self.” It determines how in touch with your feelings you are, how good you feel about yourself and about what you’re doing in life. Success in this area means that you are able to express your feelings, live and work independently, feel strong, and have confidence in expressing your ideas and beliefs. (p. 55)
More about the Intrapersonal Competencies. > >
Emotional Self-Awareness
The ability to recognize your feelings, to differentiate between them, to know why you are feeling these feelings, and to recognize the impacts your feelings have on others around you. (p. 57).
Assertiveness
Assertiveness is composed of three basic components: (1) the ability to express feelings; (2) the ability to express beliefs and thoughts openly; and (3) the ability to stand up for your personal rights. (p. 73)
Independence
The ability to be self-directed and self-controlled in your thinking and actions and to be free of emotional dependency. Independent people are self-reliant in planning and making important decisions. (p. 93)
Self-Regard
The ability to respect and accept yourself as basically good. Respecting yourself is essentially liking the way you are. Self-regard is the ability to appreciate your perceived positive aspects and possibilities as well as to accept your negative aspects and limitations and still feel good about yourself. (p. 103)
Self-Actualization
The ability to realize your potential capacities. This component of emotional intelligence is manifested by becoming involved in pursuits that lead to a meaningful, rich and full life. (p. 112)
Interpersonal Realm
Empathy
Social Responsibility
Interpersonal Relationships
This realm of emotional intelligence concerns what are known as people skills. Those who function well in this area tend to be responsible and dependable. They understand, interact with and relate well to others in a variety of situations. They inspire trust and function well as a team. (p. 123)
More about the Interpersonal Competencies. > >
Empathy
The ability to be aware of, to understand and to appreciate the feelings and thoughts of others. Empathy is “tuning in” (being sensitive) to what, how and why people feel and think the way they do. (p. 125)
Social Responsibility
The ability to demonstrate that you are a cooperative, contributing and constructive member of your social group. This component of emotional intelligence involves acting in a responsible manner, even though you might not benefit personally, doing things for and with others, accepting others, acting in accordance with your conscience and upholding social rules. (p. 140)
Interpersonal Relationships
The ability to establish and maintain mutually satisfying relationships. This leads to social interchanges that are potentially rewarding and enjoyable and characterized by give and take. Positive interpersonal relationship skill is characterized by sensitivity toward others. (p. 150)
Adaptability Realm
Problem-Solving
Reality Testing
Flexibility
This realm of emotional intelligence concerns your ability to size up and respond to a wide range of difficult situations. Success in this area means that you can grasp problems and devise effective solutions, deal with and resolve family issues and meet conflicts within your social group and in the workplace. (p. 160)
More about the Adaptability Competencies. > >
Problem-Solving
The ability to identify and define problems as well as to generate and implement potentially effective solutions. Problem-solving is associated with being conscientious, disciplined, methodical and systematic in persevering and approaching problems. This skill is also linked to a desire to do your best and to confront problems, rather than avoid them
. (p. 163)
Reality Testing
The ability to assess the match between what is experienced and what objectively exists. Reality testing involves “tuning in” to the immediate situation. The best simple-sentence definition of reality testing is that it is the capacity to see things objectively, the way they are, rather than the way we wish or fear them to be. (p. 173)
Flexibility
The ability to adjust emotions, thoughts and behavior to changing situations and conditions. This component of emotional intelligence applies to your overall ability to adapt to unfamiliar, unpredictable and dynamic circumstances. (p. 181)
Stress Management Realm
Stress Tolerance
Impulse Control
This realm of emotional intelligence concerns your ability to withstand stress without caving in, falling apart, losing control or going under. Success in this area means that you are usually calm, rarely impulsive and cope well under pressure. In the workplace, these skills are vital if you customarily face tight deadlines or must juggle many demands on your time. At home, they enable you to simultaneously maintain a busy household and be mindful of your physical health. (p. 189)
More about the Stress Management Competencies. > >
Stress Tolerance
The ability to withstand adverse events and stressful situations without developing [behavioral], physical or emotional symptoms by actively and positively coping with stress. (p. 191)
Impulse Control
The ability to resist or delay an impulse, drive, or temptation to act. Impulse control entails a capacity for identifying your angry and aggressive impulses, being composed and putting the brakes on angry, aggressive, hostile and irresponsible behavior. (p. 204)
General Mood Realm
Happiness
Optimism
This realm of emotional intelligence concerns your outlook on life, your ability to enjoy yourself and others and your overall feelings of contentment or dissatisfaction. (p. 215)
More about the General Mood Competencies. > >
Happiness
The ability to feel satisfied with your life, to enjoy yourself and others and to have fun. Happiness combines self-satisfaction, general contentment and the ability to enjoy life. (p. 217)
Optimism
The ability to look at the brighter side of life and to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Optimism assumes a measure of hope in your approach to life. It is a positive approach to daily living. Optimism is the opposite of pessimism, which is a common symptom of depression. (p. 230)
