Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence

Today, managers need well-trained employees but are finding they do not exist. As a result, corporations are providing additional training for their employees. One such training program that companies are adding to corporate learning environments is an awareness of emotional intelligence. Business managers are learning that successful managers need high Emotional Quotient (EQ) or Emotional Intelligence (EI) to work effectively.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to accurately perceive emotions in one's self and others, to identify different emotional responses, and to use emotional information to make intelligent decisions (). A leading expert on EQ finds that "people good at managing relationships tend also to be self-aware, self-regulating, and empathetic" (). Emotional intelligence is especially important "at the highest levels of the company, where differences in technical skills are of little importance. In other words, the higher the rank of the person, the more emotional intelligence capabilities are needed for decision making effectiveness" ().

Emotional intelligence is crucial to a successful business career and for effective group performance (). The core competencies required for emotional intelligence are "the perception of emotions in one's self and others, the understanding of these emotions, and the management of emotions" (). Success in the modern workplace requires teamwork and collaboration. Emotional Intelligence training is essential because most modern companies rely on teams of employees working together, rather than on the action of individual managers working in isolation ().

Several accredited universities are delivering EQ training in hopes of preparing their students for the workplace. Leading experts () emphasize the importance of EQ as students learn to become more effective leaders, managers, and team players.

Emotional