Professor Howard Gardner asked, “I which ways are you Intelligent?” He was reframing the unhelpful question, “Are you Intelligent?” At my school, you were either Intelligent or Stupid (with the possible third option of being Cool.) Professor Gardner invented a model of Multiple Intelligence in which you may shine in one aspect and be dull (pun intended) in another.

This morning, I woke up wanting to create an image of a rainbow-coloured chameleon to represent Emotional Intelligence. “But what would the colours represent?” I ask. Let’s keep it to five.

Emotional Intelligence (EI), often referred to as Emotional Quotient (EQ), encompasses several key elements that enable individuals to recognise, understand, manage, and reason with emotions effectively in themselves and others. Here are the essential elements of Emotional Intelligence:

1. Q. How well do I know myself? The ability to recognise one's own emotions and their effects is a powerful form of Self-awareness. Do you understand your own emotional strengths and weaknesses, and how your emotions can affect your thoughts and behaviour. Moodscopers with high self-awareness are typically well-grounded in how they feel and why.  Do you recognise your own ‘hot-buttons’?  (Points out of 20?)

2. Q. How well do you harness your palette of emotions to achieve your outcome?  Are you Master of your own emotions or have they mastered you? This kind of Self-Mastery includes the ability to suspend judgment and think before acting.  Points out of 20?)

3. Q. How strong is your Intrinsic Motivation? People with high emotional intelligence are usually motivated by things beyond external rewards like fame, money, or recognition. They are often propelled by internal drives and a passion to fulfil their own inner needs and goals. They also tend to be committed, optimistic, and ready to face challenges. (Points out of 20?)

4. Q. How well do I know others?” Empathy is the ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people. A person with a high degree of empathy can recognise the feelings of others “between the lines” of any communication - even when they are not explicitly expressed. This skill is crucial for managing relationships, listening, and relating to others effectively. (Points out of 20?)

5. Q. How well am I at engaging with others? Social skills refer to the skills needed to manage relationships and build networks. Having good social skills means being able to find common ground with others, build rapport, and maintain relationships. It also includes effective communication and conflict management skills.  (Points out of 20?)

If you self-assessed, you’ll end up with a score out of 100 – your EQ Percentage. What’s going well? What needs a bit more work? In which ways are you emotionally intelligent?

These five elements work together to enhance emotional perception, expression, and understanding. In practice, a Moodscoper high in emotional intelligence can better navigate social environments, influence others with integrity, lead effectively, and achieve greater personal and professional satisfaction.

A quick word for my silent assistance, ChatGPT, who helped with the research!

Lex

A Moodscope member