Q5(b). “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words) (10 marks)
Answer
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others.
It is generally said to include three skills:
1. Understanding emotions of self and others
2. Using emotions for solving complex problems of life
3. Managing emotions to lead a happy and successful life
Human beings are driven more in life by their emotions than by reason. Emotions can be used positively or negatively by an individual. An emotionally intelligent person uses emotions to solve complex problems in life and achieves happiness and success while an emotionally unintelligent person suffers in life due to his uncontrolled emotions.
For example, love is a powerful emotion in every human being. When love is used rightly, it can make life beautiful and builds lasting relationships. However, unrestrained love may cause harm to the lover as well as the beloved. Emotional Intelligence is thus the ability to make emotions work for oneself in order to lead a happier and fulfilling life. (164 words)