Components of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence affects an individual’s everyday life. It can determine the output of one’s performance, physical capacity, mental health and even his relationships. Although there are different emotional, communication and behavioral theories that were developed years ago,  Components of Emotional Intelligence are summed up into four main attributes. These are; self-awareness or perceiving your own emotions, self management or reasoning with your emotions, social awareness or understanding other’s emotions, and relationship management, or managing emotions. These attributes are arranged from the most basic to the most integrated psychological processes.

• Self Awareness / Perceiving Emotions – This is the most basic attribute of Emotional Intelligence or EQ. For you to be able to understand someone else’s emotions, it is most important to perceive your own first. This process is all about accurately  identifying  your own emotions at a given moment, and how these may affect your behavior. It is also about recognizing your personal strengths and weaknesses. In addition, self-awareness also includes understanding your own body language and other non verbal signals.
• Self Management / Reasoning with Emotions – The next attribute promotes cognitive and thinking activity. Being able to understand what you feel can help you focus attention and prioritize on how you are going to express yourself in a thoughtful and calm way.
• Social Awareness / Understanding Emotions – Understanding other’s emotions comes next. When you are able to do this, you can more appropriately respond to their needs and concerns. You’ll be able to feel  more connected with one another and recognize that you both belong to the human family of “emotional beings”.
• Relationship Management /Managing Emotions – In identifying ones’ own emotions, and  ensuing thoughts,  the next important attribute of EQ is to be able to manage and control them. Finding a balance in managing impulsive behaviors and feelings healthy is a good sign of high EQ.  Developing Consequential Thinking is an essential skill here. Taking initiative, following through commitments, and adapting to the ever-changing life circumstances are also essential EQ skills.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence or EQ.

Why is Emotional Intelligence or EQ important? The smartest people are not always the most successful nor do they have the most fulfilled life.   AS Daniel Goleman, author of “Emotional Intelligence” states, “IQ may get you the job, but it is EQ that keeps you in it”. Emotional Intelligence affects everything…

The components mentioned above benefit not just an individual’s personal life and development, but how he/she can communicate and become a healthy, whole and contributing member of society as well. No man can live or accomplish things alone. So understanding oneself and others  helps develop empathy and provide support and acceptance for each other.

 For example, one may intellectually qualify to get into college, but it takes a lot of control and self-management in order to handle the different emotions and stress that one can experience while studying and preparing for exams, and to ultimately succeed. So,  being smart is not always enough to get through the hardest situations in life.