Emotional Intelligence IThe theory behind the movement

Bob Cole

American Student Assistance

What is EI

Knowing yourself Knowing how we relate to others Knowing how to adapt to difficult situations Managing stress Leading a happy, fulfilling life

Background

E.L. Thorndike – Behavior explained by reflexes

1970s Human Potential Movement

1985 Reuven Bar-On Defines EQ– “Are there factors that determine one’s ability to be effective

in life?”

1995 Time Magazine – Daniel Goleman

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is a person’s ability to understand their own emotions, the emotions of others, and to act appropriately using these emotions.

Emotional intelligence never stops growing. Because we are always evolving as people, EQ is something that must be nurtured.

How IQ Differs IQ

– Measure of an individual’s personal information bank– Memory, vocabulary and visual motor skills– IQ is set and peaks at age 17– Remains constant through adulthood– Predicts only 20% of life’s success– Has little to do with life, marriage, relationship or family– High school reunion

A Brief History of Emotions

The Emotional Brain developed first Sense of smell was original emotion Limbic system develops allowing learning

and memory Neocortex develops as a “seat of thought”

– allows for strategy and long term planning– Allows humans to have feelings about feelings

Our Two Minds The Rational Mind

– The “Thinking Mind”

– Prominent in awareness

– Thoughtful

– Able to ponder and reflect

The Emotional Mind– Impulsive

– Powerful

– Illogical

Each work in relative harmony

Rational mind has “Veto” power

When passion surges the balance tips

The emotional hijacking The amygdala

Fight or Flight Response Visual signal goes from

Retina to Thalamus and is translated into language of the brain

Message is sent to visual cortex for analysis and is assessed for response

The emotional response is is sent to the amygdala to activate emotional centers

Amygdala signals heart and blood pressure increase. Large muscles prepare for quick action.

Emotional Impulses

How your body is affected– Anger – blood flows to the hand, heart rate increases,

rush of adrenaline creates pulse of energy

– Fear – blood rushes to large skeletal muscles, body freezes

– Surprise – lifting of eyebrows

– Disgust – upper lip curls, nose wrinkles

– Sadness – decline in energy and enthusiasm

Repeated impulses over time can lead to serious adverse health issues

EI Model

IntrapersonalKnowing and managing

yourself

InterpersonalPeople skills – the

ability to interact and get along with others

Stress ManagementAbility to tolerate stress

and control impulses

AdaptabilityAbility to be flexible

and realistic, to solve a range of problems as

they arise

Intrapersonal Self-Awareness – the ability to recognize how you’re

feeling and why you’re feeling that way and the impact your behavior has on others

Assertiveness – the ability to clearly express your thoughts and feelings, stand your ground and defend a position

Independence – the ability to be self-directed and self-controlled, to stand on your own two feet

Intrapersonal, cont....

Self-Regard – the ability to recognize your strengths and weaknesses and to feel good about yourself despite your weaknesses

Self-Actualization – the ability to realize your potential and feel comfortable with what you achieve at work and in your personal life

Interpersonal

Empathy – the ability to understand what others might be feeling or thinking, viewing the world through another person’s eyes

Social Responsibility – the ability to be a cooperative and contributing of your social group

Interpersonal Relationships – the ability to forge and maintain relationships that are mutually beneficial and marked by give and take and a sense of emotional closeness

Adaptability

Reality Testing – the ability to see things as they actually are, rather than the way you wish or fear they might be

Flexibility – the ability to adjust your feelings, thoughts, and actions to changing conditions

Problem Solving – the ability to define problems, then move to generate and implement effective, appropriate solutions

Stress Management

Stress Tolerance – the ability to remain calm and focused, to constructively withstand adverse events and conflicting emotions without caving in

Impulse Control – the ability to resist or delay a temptation to act– Tale of the Marshmallow

EI Model

IntrapersonalKnowing and

managing yourself

InterpersonalPeople skills – the

ability to interact and get along with others

Stress Management

Ability to tolerate stress and control

impulses

AdaptabilityAbility to be flexible

and realistic, to solve a range of problems

as they arise

General Mood

General Mood

Optimism – the ability to maintain a realistically positive attitude, particularly in the face of adversity

Happiness – the ability to feel satisfied with life, to enjoy yourself and others, and to experience zest and enthusiasm in a range of activities

EQ Value

Creativity

Stress Management

Decision Making

Relationship Building

Can be enhanced

What else is important to you?

High/Low

Michael Crighton

Madonna President George Bush

Dr. Phil

Nomar Garciaparra

Howard Dean Meg Ryan “Arnold”

Cosmo Kramer Will Ferrell Rosie O’Donnell

Tina Turner

Al Sharpton Santa Clause Hugh Grant Frodo Baggins

                           

                                  

Additional Resources

The EQ Edge, Steven J. Stein, PhD and Howard E. Book, MD: Stoddard, 2000

Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman

http://www.utne.com/interact/test_iq.html