Emotional Intelligence: The Key Skill
According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, Emotional intelligence is a top 10 skill. Many articles are also indicating emotional intelligence as a top skills for 2020 including Thrive Global, Inc Magazine, Harvard Business Review and Fortune Magazine.The subject of Emotional Intelligence comes up quite frequently in my conversations with clients as a skill they are looking to develop in their executives and leaders.
Emotional Intelligence is defined as “the ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and to use this awareness to manage your behavior and build positive relationships” (Bradberry and Greaves, 2009).
As a certified executive coach and authorized practitioner of emotional intelligence tools and assessments, I often get questions about how these particular skills can be developed. There are three models I currently use and am qualified to administer. Depending on the client’s level, budget, needs, and time frame, all provide excellent steps to development Emotional Intelligence.
Mayer-Solovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT)
The first assessment that I am qualified in administer is the Mayer-Solovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). This is an ability-based test and there are actual correct and incorrect answers. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete and it provides 15 scores. This assessment takes a look at some different parts of Emotional Intelligence as shown below. MSCEIT is a performance test of emotional intelligence, and includes some interesting and creative tasks to complete the online test. I use this assessment exclusively for one-on-one coaching. I use this tool solely for coaching.
Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence: Why it matters more than IQ, popularized Emotional Intelligence theory in the business world. Much of this data comes from the work of Mayer, Solovey, and Caruso’s research in creating the MSCEIT model.
Source: MayerSaloveyCaruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) Users Manual by J. D. Mayer, P. Salovey, and D. Caruso, 2002b, p. 71. Copyright 2002 by Multi-Health Systems Publishers.
Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0)
EQ-i 2.0 and EQ-i 360 are assessments I use with clients for coaching. The 360 assessment (multi-rater) provides data on how the leader is perceived by those around them. This assessment is validated, and I also use the EQ-i 2.0 self assessment in 1-day classes. The EQ-i 2.0® assessment provides the most scientifically validated Emotional Intelligence assessment tool available and is widely used by organizations across the world. The accumulated research on the EQ-i 2.0® has shown that what was once considered that intangible determinant of success can now be accurately measured. The EQ-i 2.0® assessment measures emotionally and socially intelligent behavior in five key areas: Self-Perception – which gives an insight into the inner self. Self-Expression – the outward expression or the action component of one’s internal perception. Interpersonal – developing and maintaining relationships based on trust and compassion. Decision Making – the way in which one uses emotional information. Stress Management – how well one can cope with the emotions associated with change. CLICK HERE for Coaching packages for the EQ-i 2.0 360 assessment.
Emotional Intelligence 2.0: Book and Online Assessment
I teach an emotional intelligence class for Harvard Ed Portal (Harvard University). For this 2-hour program, I use the Emotional Intelligence 2.0 book by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves. The audience for these workshops are members in the local community looking to continue their learning outside of work. Some participants may be in leadership roles, while others are individual contributors.
The book includes a link for participants to complete the Emotional Intelligence 2.0 assessment twice (once before class and once later when they have a chance to practice their skills). During the class, we cover the four competencies through group activities, partner discussions, create individual development plans, and review the results of their assessments. This class provides a great introduction to Emotional Intelligence along with data from the assessment and resources for development planning in the book. I also use the Emotional Intelligence 2.0 book with assessment when I am facilitating short learning programs to a groups or teams.
Emotional Intelligence Model
Source: Bradberry, Travis, and Greaves, Jean. Emotional Intelligence 2.0. 2009, Talent Smart,San Diego, CA.
To learn more about Emotional Intelligence, I recommenced these books:
Interested in learning more about Emotional Intelligence training, assessments or tests for coaching or leadership development for you or your organization? Let’s connect!
Disclaimer: This very helpful post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you.
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About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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