Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

The ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions — both your own and others'. Measured across four dimensions: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ or EI) was popularized by Daniel Goleman in 1995. Unlike IQ, which measures cognitive ability, EQ measures emotional skills that predict workplace success, relationship quality, and overall life satisfaction.

Goleman's model has four dimensions: Self-Awareness (recognizing your emotions and their effects), Self-Management (controlling impulses, managing stress, adapting), Social Awareness (empathy, reading groups, understanding power dynamics), and Relationship Management (communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, influence).

Research shows EQ predicts 58% of job performance across all industries (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009). Leaders with high EQ create more engaged teams, handle conflict better, and drive 20% higher organizational performance. Unlike IQ, EQ can be significantly improved with practice.

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Related Terms

Self-Awareness (EQ)

The ability to recognize and understand your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and their impact on others. The foundation of all emotional intelligence.

Self-Management (EQ)

The ability to control impulsive feelings and behaviors, manage emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, and follow through on commitments.

Social Awareness (EQ)

The ability to understand others' emotions, needs, and concerns — empathy, organizational awareness, and reading group dynamics.

Relationship Management (EQ)

The ability to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in teams, and manage conflict.

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