Chapter 2: The Invo Tech Narrative
3.15 Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence seems to be an easy concept, involving emotion and intelligence. This implies that the concept is based on how one acquires and uses the knowledge factor to solve problems based on innate emotions which have been acquired through socialisation. Lynn, A.B (2005,p.1) defines emotional intelligence as being based on individuals living up to their own greatness, displaying wisdom, warmth, depth, charm and doing things beyond their capabilities.
Emotional Intelligence is also about using knowledge to manage the self and relationships in terms of our desired intentions. Cooper and Sawaf (1997, p. xii) explain emotional intelligence as intelligence stemming from the heart. It is emotional intelligence that drives us to pursue our potential and purpose based on our inner value system transforming the way we think and behave.
Luthans, F (2002,p. 67) provides a modern definition and states that emotional intelligence is at the intersection of emotion and cognition which is the ability to interpret and enact emotion to mirror emotion in thought, to comprehend and reason which regulates emotion in all individuals.
3.15.1 Emotions, what are they?
Cooper & Sawaf (1997, p.39) describe emotions as a signal system, which provide information and which directs us to questions or openings, actions or changes at any given moment. Wilks, F (1998, p. 4) feels that if we confront our emotions it releases us from being stuck in them. As we learn to work with our emotions and self-knowledge, a space is opened to feel a wider range of emotions which can facilitate greater depth of understanding. We can also reflect on our emotional patterns
and have the choice to avoid repeating negative patterns of behaviour. Lynn, A.B (2005, p. 29) views emotions as being made up of different components. Perceptions, thoughts, beliefs and expectations make up the cognitive component of emotions which stem from our rational brain.
Then there is the physiological component, which is controlled by the limbic system, which protects us from and is responsible for controlling our actions, during times of attack, defence or retreat and is often called the “fight or flight” response. The third is the behavioural component that, in most instances, refers to non-verbal behaviours which include gesture, facial expressions and other forms of non-verbal communication.
3.15.2 Intelligence, what is it?
According to Hughes (2005, p.11) initially intelligence was defined according to the IQ (intelligence quotient) test and this was one dimensional. Later the concept of ‘multiple intelligences’ required the definition to be expanded and the concept of ‘emotional quotient’ was introduced which distinguished emotional competencies from intellectual ones.
Wilks, F. (1998, p. 11) quotes Daniel Goleman from his book Emotional Intelligence, as identifying five categories of emotional intelligence:
Knowing one’s emotions: This is the ability to recognise that we are in an emotional state, even if the feeling is inconvenient;
Managing Emotions: This is the inner ability to manage uncontrollable emotions and the capacity to learn how to balance our emotions when we are overwhelmed;
Motivating one’s self: In order to be motivated in life one needs to develop emotional self- control, which may require delaying gratification or stifling impulsiveness;
Recognising emotions in others. This is when you begin to experience and feel what the other person is experiencing. This would allow us to connect with and better understand others; and
Handling relationships: Understanding relationships requires emotional intelligence.
Understanding other people’s emotions gets us to identify better and to engage with others.
3.15.3 How emotional intelligence is developed?
According to Krishnamurti & Ganasen (2008,p.7) emotional intelligence can be developed by concentrating on the five dimensions of Emotional Intelligence –Self -awareness, Self-motivation, Self-monitoring, relating well and emotional mentoring. We have established earlier in this section that emotional intelligence is developed in the brain, which comes from the senses and that it is linked to the ‘fight or flight’ reaction as is reinforced by repetitive experience. It has also been established that memory has a strong link to emotional intelligence and this can be developed by using the emotional and rational part of the brain to develop choices in new situations. It is important to manage knowledge and to understand emotions to create positive emotions and to visualise prosperity and success. When emotional intelligence is developed, it is important to analyse core values, beliefs and motivations and to develop an authentic life with full connection to purpose and passion. This is the process of programming the brain for a fulfilling positive life. It is also important to have conflicting values and beliefs. Emotional intelligence can be developed by making the mind strong to repel thoughts of fear, frustration, negative thoughts and beliefs. It is important that one uncovers natural resources which create positive thoughts and emotions, freeing beliefs, thoughts, behaviour that creates opportunity for growth.
It is also important to expose the true being without ego as this is the most powerful state when balance is created by trust in the logical thinking mind. The true self is created by being independent and having personal purpose and passion contributing to a unique personality. This is having the ability to maintain a cognitive position that is grounded and authentic. One of the peak performance techniques is to get pumped up with authentic bursts of joy and there are simple ways of eliciting and creating natural euphoria in seconds. Self-connection is producing a state of mind where one is in tune with themself. Emotional intelligence is created through experience that has been acquired in the natural state which has been created from the deepest sense of connectedness with an intuitive part that has remained constant. In order to activate Emotional intelligence, it is important to be happy within, and this requires creating an internal system that is simple and easy to learn and replicate so that the individual is connected to their internal compass. This process requires the individual to have full control and responsibility for thoughts and beliefs which impact on circumstances.