The Edge: Information for the Next Level of Success
Emotional intelligence, often abbreviated as EI or EQ, refers to the set of skills that make up the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions in ourselves and others. In short, emotional intelligence makes the difference between average performance and stellar performance at work and in our personal lives.
Emotionally intelligent people make better leaders, workers, parents, friends, teachers, counsellors, or therapists because they have the ability to use their understanding of others’ emotions as well as their own to guide decision-making and influence others in ways that foster productive working relationships and positive personal interactions.
Emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened. It isn’t something people are born with – it’s something they acquire through experience and intentional effort.
“We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us - how we can take it, what we do with it - and that is what really counts in the end.” - Joseph Fort Newton
“When awareness is brought to an emotion, power is brought to your life.” - Tara Meyer Robson
“All learning has an emotional base.” - Plato
“There are certain emotions that will kill your drive; frustration and confusion. You can change these to a positive force. Frustration means you are on the verge of a breakthrough. Confusion can mean you are about to learn something. Expect the breakthrough and expect to learn.” - Kathleen Spike, Master Certified Coach
“Experience is not what happens to you - it’s how you interpret what happens to you.” - Aldous Huxley
“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” - Kahlil Gibran
“Feelings are not supposed to be logical. Dangerous is the man who has rationalized his emotions.” - David Borenstein
“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” - William James
“To increase your effectiveness, make your emotions subordinate to your commitments.” - Brian Koslow
“Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.” - Epictetus
“Be not disturbed at being misunderstood; be disturbed rather at not being understanding.” - Chinese proverb
