Emotional Intelligence

While we are not responsible for the nature of our ‘chimps’, we are responsible for managing it. If you have this animal sharing your life with you, you have to treat it with respect. Every leader looking to succeed therefore must learn how to manage their ‘chimps’. If you understand that part of your brain – the part that reacts emotionally rather than logically – you will be more effective.

(Dave Brailsford)

What is Emotional Intelligence?

• The capacity to be aware of one’s emotions, and express them in a balanced manner by regulating those emotions. (Essay Sauce)
• The ability to monitor one’s own and other people’s emotions, to discriminate between different emotions and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior. (Peter Salovey & John Mayer)
• Capacity to receive, process and regulate emotional information accurately and effectively, both within oneself and in others & to use this information to guide one’s thinking & actions & to influence those of others.

Domains of Emotional Intelligence (by Daniel Goleman)

• To know your emotions
• To manage your emotions
• To motivate yourself
• To recognize and understand other people’s emotions
• To manage the relationships

Basic Components of Emotional Intelligence

1. Self-Awareness: Ability to recognize & understand moods, emotions & drivers, & the effect of them on both self and others.
2. Self-Regulation: Ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses & moods; the propensity to suspend judgement; to think before acting.
3. Internal Motivation: A passion to work for reasons that go beyond money or status; a propensity to pursue goals with energy and persistence.
4. Empathy: Ability to understand the emotional make-up of other people; skill in treating people according to their emotional reactions.
5. Social Skill: Proficiency in managing relationships and building networks; an ability to find common ground and build rapport.

Note: Leaders With High Emotional Intelligence are distinguished by the above skills/competencies.

Why is Emotional Intelligence Important?

A football coach who only understands football is not a great coach. I never forget my players are men; men with different personalities and cultures. Of course, you need the knowledge and the capacity to analyze things; but the centre of everything is the relationship and empathy, not only with the individual but in the team. (Jose Mourinho)

Research has shown that at leadership level, 20% success is contributed by Intelligence Quotient (IQ), the remaining 80% success is determined by Emotional Quotient (EQ). it is now widely believed that emotions, rather that IQ, may be the true measure of human intelligence.

Note: Success at leadership level requires that we master the game of understanding what is going on inside of ourselves (awareness) as well as in others. This is the minimum if you desire to influence, generate, and sustain positive energy in the team.

How Do I Scale Up My Emotional Intelligence?

• Identify, practice & master basic activities that drive the 5 components of Emotional Intelligence.
• Understand the role which your natural personality will play in determining the type of behavior you will exhibit when the ‘chimp’ shows up (stress).
• Understand the Chimp Paradox. There is a contest within the brain; between its more rational ‘human’ parts and its anciently evolved ‘chimp’ regions. So learn to always prepare for the moment. (Prof. Steve Peters)
• Understand that negative thoughts (emotions) are natural, don’t panic when you have one; displace it with positive thoughts. (Prof. Damian Hughes)

Some Thoughts & Tips

• Utilize an assertive style of communication
• Respond instead of reacting to conflict
• Utilize active listening skills
• Be motivated
• Seek and practice ways to maintain a positive attitude
• Practice self-awareness
• Take critique well
• Empathize with others
• Be approachable and sociable

Basic Things To Keep In Mind

• Leadership thrives when we understand emotions, use emotions and manage emotions.
• Different tests exist to help start and continue on this journey.

MSCEIT (Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test)

SUEIT (Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Test)

• While Emotion is innate, Emotional Intelligence can be learned and developed.

Fact: Our brain is designed for one thing; Survival. When we come into a learning situation, there is a part of our brain that posits the question: Do I need to know this in order to survive? Yes or No? if Yes, then we can get on with the learning and start to tap into our potential. However, if the answer is No, it doesn’t matter how good the coach is; Forget it.