Emotional Intelligence
and how you can improve your Emotional Intelligence
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Emotional Intelligence is a concept focused on how effectively people work with others. These Emotional Intelligence skills are unique from a person’s technical skills and cognitive abilities. Multiple studies have shown that Emotional Intelligence competencies often account for the difference between star performers and average performers, particularly in positions of leadership.
The Emotional Intelligence model developed by Daniel Goleman and others identifies 4 components:
1. Self Awareness
2. Self Management
3. Social Awareness
4. Relationship Management
The first component of Emotional Intelligence is Self Awareness, or having a clear understanding of one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, drives and capabilities. On the surface there’s really nothing new about this concept – it’s been touted for thousands of years. But it’s a critical skill and it’s overlooked by many people. In the SOCIAL STYLE Model and Style training programs, Self-Awareness is taught as “Know Yourself.” Participating in Style training and completing a SOCIAL STYLE Profile develop Self-Awareness.
The second component of Emotional Intelligence is Self Management, or what author Goleman says frees us from being prisoners to our emotions. Without understanding what we’re feeling, we can’t control our feelings and this leaves us at the mercy of our emotions. SOCIAL STYLE programs teach participants to “Control Yourself”, identifying specific ways to manage Style-influenced behaviors.
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The third component of Emotional Intelligence is Social Awareness, or empathy. It’s the ability to read another person’s facial expressions, voice and other non-verbal signals in order to understand that person’s emotions. This is especially important for leaders because by staying attuned to how people are feeling, they can say and do what is most appropriate. The foundation of SOCIAL STYLE is the ability to recognize verbal and non-verbal behaviors of others and understand what they tell you about that person. In fact, independent research has shown that SOCIAL STYLE is easier to learn and apply than other interpersonal skills models.
The fourth component of Emotional Intelligence is Relationship Management, where the 3 previous skills all come together. This is the most visible aspect of a person, and in particular leaders. This is where you see skills like conflict management, team building, and influencing others. Leaders with good skills in the first three areas of Emotional Intelligence will usually be effective at managing relationships because they’re attuned to their own emotions and this means that they’ll approach relationships from a position of authenticity. It’s not just being friendly, but it’s what Goleman calls “friendliness with a purpose”: motivating people in the direction you desire. These people are very good at developing networks, not necessarily because they’re highly sociable, but rather because they understand that nothing gets done alone and they’re skilled at being able to work with others.
There is both a logical connection and a measurable link between Emotional Intelligence and the SOCIAL STYLE model by TRACOM. SOCIAL STYLE is an interpersonal model that teaches this concept as “Do Something For Others” and provides clear recommendations to better manage relationships with people of different Styles in a variety of common workplace situations. SOCIAL STYLE can be taught and put into place to then improve Emotional Intelligence.
Researchers at Colorado State University recently completed a study that compared the Versatility component of TRACOM's SOCIAL STYLE Model to two distinct measures of Emotional Intelligence. The research showed a significant relationship between SOCIAL STYLE and Emotional Intelligence. The takeaway from this research is that by developing Versatility and SOCIAL STYLE skills, people can increase Emotional Intelligence.
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