The five components of emotional intelligence

Introduction

Goleman divided emotional intelligence into five components. The first three concern how we manage ourselves, and the last two how we handle relationships with others.

1. Self-awareness

Knowing one's own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values and their effect on others.

• Recognizing feelings as they happen
• Accurate self-assessment
• Self-confidence
• In administration: an officer notices when anger or personal bias is influencing a decision and pauses to reconsider.

2. Self-regulation

Controlling or redirecting disruptive emotions and impulses.

• Self-control and calm under pressure
• Trustworthiness and integrity
• Adaptability to change
• Thinking before acting
• In administration: staying calm when facing an angry crowd or a hostile media question.

3. Motivation

An inner drive to achieve for its own sake, beyond money or status.

• Commitment to goals
• Initiative and optimism
• Resilience in the face of setbacks
• In administration: continuing to push a reform despite obstacles because it will help citizens.

4. Empathy

Understanding the emotions, needs and viewpoints of others.

• Sensitivity to others' feelings
• Service orientation
• Respect for diversity
• In administration: understanding why a community is protesting before deciding how to respond.

5. Social skills

Managing relationships and building networks.

• Clear, persuasive communication
• Conflict management
• Leadership and teamwork
• Influence and negotiation
• In administration: bringing together departments, NGOs and communities to deliver flood relief.

Conclusion

The five components work together: self-awareness and self-regulation build personal integrity, motivation drives performance, and empathy and social skills build effective relationships. Together they make a capable and humane leader.