4 Components of Emotional Intelligence - Part 4 Relationship Management

What is Emotional Intelligence?

According to Robert G. Jerus,

“A set of emotional, social and relational skills that guides the way we perceive, understand and express ourselves; connect with others; manage interpersonal exchange; cope with challenges; and apply emotional information in an effective, meaningful way.”1

That is worth taking time to chew on, dissect and reflect upon, because the implications of emotional intelligence apply to virtually every area of our life. Our feelings and emotions influence interactions with others, responses to situations encountered and ultimately the decisions we make each and every day. This definition is a powerful one and since Emotional Intelligence is a set of emotional, social and relationship skills that guide us in our perceptions, understanding and expression of self and how we connect with others which speak to relationships and our connections with others, not having an above average knowledge of emotional intelligence places one at a disadvantage.

We should keep in mind that relationship connection and development is another areas most have had very little training, yet just about everything we do involves interactions with others through a multitude of relationships. Lacking a growing knowledge in the areas of feelings, emotions and relationship prevents one from obtaining the levels of success in life for which one is capable or the highest quality of relationships. Lacking a growing knowledge in these areas also leaves us vulnerable to misunderstandings, misinterpretations and unintended communications that might and often prove damaging to our relationships (personal, business, community etc.).

Many of us have suffered or maybe currently suffering the pain of various broken or damaged relationships. Now we all have developed some skill in this critical area, all that we know about emotional intelligence has been based on trail and error. Should that be the standard when it comes to our most cherished relationships of any type?

To gain added perspective, let's look at another similar definition of Emotional Intelligence, offered by Derick Mann and Peter Papagongiannis; "Emotional and social intelligence is the ability to accurately  assess, interpret, manage, and express emotions, and solve problems of a personal and interpersonal nature toward realizing the pursuit of realistic and meaningful objectives."

Unlike IQ (intellectual quotient), EIQ (Emotional Intellectual Quotient) can be increased with focused study and application.

Hopefully you now have an idea of what emotional intelligence is and you'll continue to increase your awareness into this needed but not widely enough taught subject.