Emotional intelligence involves emotional and social skills that impact how we express ourselves, develop and maintain relationships, cope with challenges, and navigate our personal and professional lives. It is different from cognitive intelligence (IQ), and it is not a measure of aptitude or personality.
IQ and personality tend not to change much over time. Emotional intelligence, however, can increase with training and effort. We can learn to identify our emotional triggers and develop strategies to manage them effectively.
We can better recognize and understand our own emotions and how they impact our interactions with others. We can improve the ways we perceive others and they perceive us.
Understanding and developing emotional intelligence will make us more successful professionally, improve our relationships, and strengthen team dynamics.