Q. What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss. (150 words) (10 marks)

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand emotions of the self and others, using them for solving complex problems of life and managing emotions to lead a happy and successful life. According to Daniel Goleman, an American psychologist who helped to popularise emotional intelligence, there are five key elements to it:

 

1. Self-awareness

2. Self-regulation

3. Motivation

4. Empathy

5. Social skill

 

Emotional intelligence is most important for public servants in leadership positions since they have to deal with a large number of people and connect with them emotionally to work as a team. It can be acquired like any other skill by constantly using emotions to connect with people. The following steps can enhance the emotional intelligence of a person:

 

•Imbibing human values   

•Understanding the self and others

•Developing empathy

•Being cheerful and satisfied with life

•Withstanding pressure and regulating stress

•Maintaining calm in adverse situations

•Expressing emotions to people

•Managing negative emotions

•Developing positive thinking 

•Learning from failure

•Developing hope and optimism