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A type of Social Intelligence that involves the ability to monitor our own emotions and those of other people, to discriminate among them and then to use the information to guide our subsequent thinking and actions.
This was the conclusion that initially came from the research of Salovey & Mayer in 1993. Much additional research has been undertaken to determine the essence of Emotional Intelligence leading to valuable applications for the benefit of the Individual, the Team and, significantly, to Leadership.
In addition, Howard Gardner's research into Multiple Intelligences showed that our learning is from at least eight different forms of intelligence. The conventional IQ test structure does not adequately cover all of these forms of intelligence. Indeed, the content of leading IQ tests, such as Cattell and Weschler, are predominantly restricted to a limited range of intelligences, usually the numerical & logical, spatial and verbal & linguistic attributes. Whilst valuable the conclusions they offer, they cannot indicate our total potential. We must look elsewhere.
Emotional Intelligence is concerned with Inter and Intra - personal Intelligences and involves abilities that may be categorised into five domains - Self-Awareness
 Observing ourselves and recognising our feelings as they occur, with a confident sense of integrity, openness and with a high level of self-esteem.
Managing Emotions
Handling feelings and the information we get from them in such a way that they are appropriately managed. By realising the beliefs and values that lie behind our feelings, after thoughtful consideration and interpretation, we can find constructive ways to handle our fear, anger, sadness.....all of our emotions. Motivating Oneself
Channelling our emotions in an emotionally self-controlled way so we can reach specific, desired, understood and shared goals. This enables us to delay short-term gratification, stifle our impulses and complete what we set out to do. Empathy
Having sensitivity to others peoples' feelings and concerns and the capacity to accept others' perspectives. Appreciating people are different and want different things. Handling Relationships
Being aware of and managing emotions in the people with whom we live and work, with social competence and skill. At the same time sincerely enhancing their level of integrity, openness and self-esteem.
Self-Awareness, as part of Intrapersonal Intelligence, with Empathy and Handling Relationships, as part of Interpersonal Intelligence, form the essential dimensions of Emotional Intelligence. Specific component levels can be determined by utilising such psychometric analyses as afforded by the -  - Individual Effectiveness.
This instrument measures 16 areas of personal and interpersonal effectiveness. There is also a 360° version and a user's interpretation guide.
Ideal application: this tool is useful when developing individual effectiveness in specific areas of self and other management
By recognising that we can analyse attributes and abilities of both the 'Individual' and 'the Team' we can develop the competences in these five domains, ensuring a higher level of operational productivity. In the same way, we can also facilitate significant improvements in Leadership. A significant consequence of utilising applied emotional intelligence competencies is that emotionally intelligent Leadership will be more effective in general terms (ref. Dan Goleman) and specifically lowers stress levels by encouraging mutually supportive relationships.
Please click here for the EiP Code of Practice
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