Dr. Susmita Roy Choudhury Deka
(Assistant Professor, Psychology;
Pragjyotishpur University)
In an ever-evolving world driven by rapid technological advancements and global connectivity, where both personal success and career growth are deeply intertwined with interpersonal relationships, emotional intelligence has emerged as a critical skill. The term 'Emotional Intelligence' was first coined by psychologists Mayer and Salovey (1990). The notion of emotional intelligence broadens the concept of intelligence beyond the intellectual sphere and considers that intelligence includes emotion. Emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient (EQ), is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as to understand the emotions of others. It is a crucial aspect of personal and professional development, as it enables individuals to effectively navigate relationships, communicate, and make sound decisions.
Emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, contributing to increased self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one's goals and aspirations. Self-awareness, a key component of EI, empowers people to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses honestly, fostering continuous personal growth and maturity. When individuals understand their emotional triggers, they are better equipped to cope with life's challenges, manage stress, and maintain a positive outlook even in difficult situation. Additionally, empathy, another key component of emotional intelligence enables individuals to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering compassion and reducing social tensions, which in turn strengthens friendships, familial ties, and community relationships. On a psychological level, emotional intelligence contributes to resilience, emotional balance, and a positive outlook, which are essential for navigating life's challenges. It encourages introspection, which leads to better decision-making and a stronger sense of identity. Emotionally intelligent individuals are better able to evaluate their choices by considering the potential emotional consequences of their choices which helps them to make more responsible and thoughtful decision.
In the professional realm, emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a vital skill that complements cognitive abilities and technical expertise. It plays a pivotal role in leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and workplace communication. Leaders with high EI can inspire, motivate, and engage their teams more effectively by understanding the emotional needs of their employees, promoting a positive and motivating work culture, building trust and credibility with their team, and managing stress and conflict with sensitivity. Such leaders are not only approachable and trustworthy but also capable of making balanced decisions by integrating emotional insights with rational analysis. Emotional intelligence enhances collaboration by fostering mutual respect, active listening, and constructive feedback, all of which are essential for high-performing teams. Employees with strong EI skills are better at managing workplace dynamics, adapting to change, and maintaining professionalism even under pressure. They are less likely to react impulsively or take criticism personally, and
maintain a composed and mature demeanor in response, which helps in building professional credibility and trust. Moreover, EI is linked to higher job satisfaction, as individuals with emotional awareness can set realistic expectations, manage stress, and derive purpose from their work. It supports better customer service by enabling professionals to read emotional cues, respond with empathy, and resolve issues effectively. In fields such as healthcare, education, counselling, and management, emotional intelligence is indispensable, as these professions demand a high degree of emotional labour, compassion, and relational skills. It also contributes to career advancement, as emotionally intelligent individuals are often perceived as more competent, persuasive, and dependable. Organizations that value and cultivate emotional intelligence report higher employee engagement, lower turnover, and enhanced productivity. Emotional intelligence also plays a critical role in negotiation and influence, helping professionals to understand stakeholders' perspectives, build consensus, and arrive at win-win solutions. In today's complex and diverse workplaces, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and emotional attunement are crucial, and emotional intelligence provides the framework to navigate these challenges effectively. Furthermore, emotional intelligence bridges the gap between personal and professional life by fostering emotional harmony and reducing the spillover of stress from one domain to another. People with high EI can compartmentalize effectively, maintain work-life balance, and nurture both personal satisfaction and career growth. As digital communication and remote work become more prevalent, the nuances of emotional intelligence such as interpreting tone, managing virtual relationships, and maintaining team cohesion across distances are even more critical. In educational settings, the development of emotional intelligence among students leads to better academic performance, improved social behaviour, and reduced behavioural problems. Educators with strong EI can create inclusive and supportive learning environments, fostering students' confidence and motivation. Training in emotional intelligence is increasingly being integrated into professional development programs, leadership training, and organizational culture initiatives, underlining its importance in holistic human development.
In a nutshell, emotional intelligence is not merely an additional skill but a core competency that underpins both personal fulfilment and professional excellence. It cultivates emotional literacy, interpersonal harmony, ethical decision-making, and resilient leadership qualities that are indispensable in an interconnected, fast-paced, and emotionally demanding world. Whether in personal relationships or professional arena, emotional intelligence enhances the quality of interactions, fosters meaningful connections, and empowers individuals to thrive with empathy, integrity, and emotional wisdom.