This document provides an overview of emotional intelligence (EI), including its historical roots, need and importance, current status and applications, ways to measure EI, and how EI relates to workplace performance. Some key points:
- EI builds on early research recognizing the importance of non-cognitive factors like social and emotional skills. Researchers in the 1930s-40s studied concepts like social intelligence.
- EI refers to an individual's ability to identify and understand their own emotions and those of others to guide thinking and decision-making. In contrast, IQ measures cognitive and analytical abilities.
- Emotions play an important role in psychology and influence behaviors. Both personality traits and mood states impact emotional