Emotional Intelligence Lecture Notes

Definition

• Emotional intelligence refers to how well we handle ourselves and our relationships.
• Four domains of emotional intelligence:
  1. Self-awareness
     • Includes emotional awareness, knowing what we're feeling and why.
     • Basis for good intuition and decision-making.
     • Acts as a moral compass.
  2. Self-management
     • Handling distressing emotions effectively.
     • Avoids emotions crippling or interfering with activities.
     • Involves marshalling positive emotions and aligning actions with passions.
  3. Empathy
     • Understanding what someone else is feeling.
  4. Social Skills
     • Integrating self-awareness, self-management, and empathy in skilled relationships.

Brain and Emotional Intelligence

• The brain supports emotional and social intelligence.
• Last circuitry of the brain to mature.
• Neuroplasticity shapes the brain according to repeated experiences.

Teaching Emotional Intelligence

• Importance of teaching kids self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and social skills systemically.
• Studies show that teaching these skills reduces antisocial behavior and increases pro-social behavior and academic achievement.

Impact on Education

• Improved executive function mediated by the prefrontal lobe.
• Helps manage emotions and improve attention.

Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

• Leaders characterized as harsh can undermine company missions.
• Emotional intelligence in leaders can improve team dynamics and effectiveness.

Gender Differences in Emotional Intelligence

• Women generally better at empathy and social skills.
• Men generally better at self-confidence and managing distressing emotions.
• In top leaders, no gender differences in emotional intelligence skills.

Cultural Variations

• Emotional intelligence is universal but manifests differently in various cultures.
• Example: Japan has subtle social interactions; Brazil is more outgoing.
• Fundamentals remain the same across cultures.

Conclusion

• Emotional intelligence is a range of abilities with various impacts on personal and professional life.
• Advocacy for global implementation of social-emotional learning programs.