Emotional Intelligence
Reviewed and Updated: January 2008
This page has been kept for reference.
It will no longer be updated by ICVET
We have been conditioned to believe that IQ is the best measure of human potential. In the past 15 years, however, researchers have found that this isn't necessarily the case- that your emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) might be a greater predictor of success.
There is ongoing discussion about the origins of 'EQ,' but consensus is that the seminal publication was an article called 'Emotional Intelligence' by Peter Salovey and John 'Jack' Mayer in 1990. The article defined EQ as a scientifically testable 'intelligence.' The team has gone on to publish numerous articles, and their definition of EQ has evolved to:
'Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive emotions; to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought; to understand emotions and emotional knowledge; and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.'
In other words, there are four parts:
- Perceive or sense emotions
- Use emotions to assist thought
- Understand emotions
- Manage emotions
Websites
Emotional What?
This is a neat little introduction to the meaning and history of emotional intelligence.
Six Seconds emotional intelligence network
Follow this URL to find a fantastic collection of information and further links. A great introduction to the subject.
Emotional intelligence: popular or scientific psychology?
John Mayer (Ph.D.) explains the differences between the popular view of emotional intelligence (a la Goleman) and the scientific view.
Steve Hein’s Emotional Intelligence Page
Hein is highly critical of Goleman and his commercialisation of emotional intelligence. For this reason alone, the Hein page is worth visiting. However, beyond this Hein’s page provides some very sound resources and references on emotional intelligence (EI) and emotional quotient (EQ). Worth reading.
Emotional Intelligence Quiz
Here’s a quick and easy, self scoring test of your emotional intelligence. Like any quiz of this type, the results can’t be taken too seriously but it will give you a quick indication of your sensitivity to your own emotions and those of others.
Emotional Intelligence Test
This test is much more comprehensive and I think you could take the results a bit more seriously. I still recommend caution in interpreting the results as anything but loosely indicative.
Publications
BAR-ON, R 2000, The Handbook of Emotional Intelligence Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
For those who want to pursue such research, this is a solid sourcebook, one that offers access to the leading thought and tools in the field. The range of coverage from theory to assessment to intervention brings the reader quickly up to speed with the latest developments in understanding how social, emotional, and practical intelligence help us all navigate our social worlds.
GOLEMAN, D 1995, Emotional Intelligence: why it can matter more than IQ, Bantam Books, NY.
There was a time when IQ was considered the leading determinant of success. In this fascinating book, based on brain and behavioral research, Daniel Goleman argues that our IQ-idolizing view of intelligence is far too narrow. Instead, Goleman makes the case for 'emotional intelligence' being the strongest indicator of human success. He defines emotional intelligence in terms of self-awareness, altruism, personal motivation, empathy, and the ability to love and be loved by friends, partners, and family members.
GOLEMAN, D 1998, Working with Emotional Intelligence, Bantam Books, NY.
Goleman analyzes both the inner competencies that enable us to manage ourselves – ranging from self-awareness to motivation – and essential social strengths such as influence, conflict management, and team-building. He vividly shows how these play out in some of the top corporations in the world today, including the damage done when they are lacking. He creates a blueprint for the 'emotionally intelligent organization' that will shape training and development programs for years to come.
SEGAL, J 1997, Raising Your Emotional Intelligence Henry Holt and Co, NY.
It's not just psychologists who believe that emotional savvy determines personal success far more than an IQ test. Even corporations are hiring consultants to boost employees' Emotional Quotient (EQ), since it's been shown to directly affect teamwork, confidence, and productivity. Emotions can be allies, explains Dr. Jeanne Segal, helping us form loving and meaningful relationships, while making us well-rounded and profoundly intelligent beings.