Introduction

Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions, and the emotions of others.

How do you know if you have emotional intelligence?

An emotionally intelligent individual is:

• Conscious of their own emotional states, including negative emotions such as frustration, anxiety and sadness
• Aware of how these emotional states can affect their interactions with others
• Able to identify and manage these emotions
• Aware of and can understand the emotions of others around them and how these impact interactions and behaviours

Emotional intelligence is essential in the workplace, especially for leaders.

Consider this: who earns more respect—a leader who shouts under stress, or one who stays calm and in control?

While some people are naturally better at this, anyone can improve with awareness and practice.