For many decades and centuries, a lot of emphasis has been placed on certain aspects of intelligence such as cognitive skills, logical reasoning, math skills, spatial skills, understanding analogies, verbal skills etc. We can however see that some of the top achievers were not clever at all in childhood and a significant proportion of who were clever are not at the top now. Researchers were puzzled by the fact that while IQ could predict to a significant degree the academic performance and, to certain degree, professional and personal success, there was something missing in the equation. Some of those with great IQ scores were not doing well in life, perhaps wasting their potential by thinking, behaving and communicating in a way that hindered their chances to succeed.

One of the major missing parts in the success equation is emotional intelligence.


Emotional Intelligence, also called EI , describes an ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of one's self, of others, and of groups. However, being a relatively new area, the definition of emotional intelligence is still in a state of flux.

We define Emotional Intelligence as “Ability to use emotional information and emotional energy to understand and motivate self and others for personal and professional development, and to create an environment of harmony with fellow persons to achieve success”. This can also be defined in short as “ability to understand self and others around, to make the life a positive experience” (RG).

Robert Cooper and Aymen Sawaf defined emotional intelligence as “ the ability to sense, understand, and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy, information, connection and influence."


Why emotional intelligence is important?

Goleman has revolutionised the literature about emotional intelligence saying emotional quotient (EQ) is more important than IQ in obtaining and retaining jobs.  Salovy and Mayer 1990 also postulated that emotional intelligence is linked to problem solving and achievement. It is also described that while interacting with members of the social environment, emotionally intelligent people produce win-win relationship and outcome for themselves and others. Emotionally intelligent people develop a magnetic field of emotional attraction around them and often are the owners of an ever-increasing network of social relationships. They provide a nucleus of support to all others around and are able to sustain progress for themselves and those in their team.

Emotionally intelligent people are capable of diagnosing and monitoring the internal environment of their own and others’ minds and show remarkable skills in managing mutually beneficial relationships with others.

What we do in our life is more dependent on EQ than IQ and modest people do surprisingly well if they pay attention to emotional intelligence. 75% of careers are derailed for reasons related to emotional competencies, including inability to handle interpersonal problems; unsatisfactory team leadership during times of difficulty or conflict; or inability to adapt to change or elicit trust (The Centre for Creative Leadership, 1994). People who accurately perceive others’ emotions are better able to handle changes and build stronger social networks.  Social and emotional abilities were four times more important than IQ in determining professional success and prestige.

Emotionally intelligent people are generally optimistic, flexible and realistic, and are fairly successful in solving problems and coping with stress without losing control. This is a road to sure success and can be acquired. Sandra Ford Watson , international author of book Courage said, emotional intelligence is a required skill if you are to lead or work successfully with a group or team.

Key competencies of EI

There are 5 key competencies