What is emotional intelligence? Simply and clearly

If you've ever wondered why some people are able to make friends quickly, resolve conflicts easily, or remain calm and focused despite great difficulties, the answer is one - emotional intelligence.

What is emotional intelligence?

In short, it is the ability to understand our own and others' emotions, use them correctly, and manage them as needed.

Three main theories we need to know

1. Salovey and Meyer – Skills Model

In their opinion, EQ - emotional intelligence combines the following skills:

• Emotion recognition

• Using emotion in thinking (e.g., for creativity),

• Understanding and explaining emotion

• Emotion management

2. Daniel Goleman – Mixed Model

Thanks to Goleman, EQ became known to the general public. In his view, emotional intelligence consists of five components:

• Self-awareness

• Self-control

• Motivation

• Empathy

• Social skills.

3. Personality Traits Model - Thrait Model

This model suggests that emotional intelligence is more of a personality trait and may depend on such personal traits as:

Emotional self-esteem (how confident you are in managing your emotions), empathy, coping with stress, optimism, social responsibility, and more.

Salovey-Meyer's "Ability Model" focuses on pure abilities, the "Trait Model" focuses on personal traits, and Daniel Goleman's model takes into account both abilities and traits, which is why it is also called a mixed model.

Why should we care about EQ?

• In personal life, relationships become healthier and more enduring.

• At work – leadership, teamwork, and effective communication improve.

• In everyday life, we cope with stress more easily and have more joy.

How to increase emotional intelligence?

✔️ You can start today:

• Pay attention to what you are feeling at this moment.

• Before reacting, pause and breathe.

• Listen to the other person so that you can see their feelings.

• Practice optimism – look for the positive in every situation.

Emotional intelligence is not just a “soft skill.” It is a real tool that is important in all areas of life.

*L&D School offers corporate training in soft skills - contact us for details.