What is Social and Emotional Intelligence?
Jun 30, 2023
Emotional Intelligence (EI, otherwise known as emotional quotient or EQ) is a term formally defined in an academic journal in 1990 by researchers John D. Mayer and Peter Salovey. They described it as “the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions.” The term was later popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman. Despite being a relatively new concept, has entered the public consciousness and it is well known and widely used worldwide.
Social Intelligence (SI, otherwise known as social intelligence quotient or SQ) is not near as popular in public consciousness. Yet, if you think back on your last conflict and you ask yourself if other people were involved… most likely the answer is yes!
According to the Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence (ISEI):
Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEI) is the ability to be aware of your own emotions, and those of others, in the moment, and to use that information to manage ourselves and our relationships.
The Four-Quadrant model of SEI are:
Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Awareness and Relationship Management.
The first two quadrants refer to personal competencies that determine how we manage ourselves. Self-Awareness is the core of EI. It is about knowing internal states, preferences, resources, intuitions. Self-Management is about managing internal states, impulses and resources.
The other two quadrants refer to social competencies that determine how we handle our relationships with others and our adeptness at inducing desirable responses in others.
In today's world the way you lead yourself and others is more important than ever.
Some researchers believe that our success at the game of life is driven far more by our Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEI) than our cognitive intelligence (IQ). The cool thing? While IQ remains pretty much fixed from birth, SEI can be learned!
SEI is essential to good leadership in all areas of life: work, relationships, parenting. Mastering your Emotional Intelligence and refining your social skills is a must!
In order to develop Social and Emotional Intelligence skills the very first step is to strengthen your emotional Self-awareness. You cannot develop empathy for other people’s feelings until you understand your own and you cannot manage your emotions if you are not aware.
Do you want to discover your strengths and development opportunities to improve your social and emotional intelligence? Start here!
“Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEI) is the ability to be aware of your own emotions, and those of others, in the moment, and to use that information to manage ourselves and our relationships.” ―The Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence
