Emotional Intelligence and the Wheel of Emotions

Wheel of Emotions

• Core Emotions:

  • Positive Emotions:

  • Optimism

  • Love

  • Serenity

  • Acceptance

  • Interest

  • Joy

  • Happiness

  • Negative Emotions:

  • Aggressiveness

  • Anticipation

  • Trust

  • Submission

  • Vigilance

  • Admiration

  • Fear-based Emotions:

  • Fear

  • Sadness

  • Annoyance

  • Anger

  • Sub-sections of Fear:

  • Apprehension

  • Loathing

  • Distress

  • Disapproval

  • Neutral to Negative Emotions:

  • Boredom

  • Curiosity

  • Distraction

  • Pensiveness

  • Remorse

  • Extreme Emotions:

  • Amazement

  • Awe

  • Contempt

  • Disgust

Emotional Intelligence

• Definition: A state-like individual difference that encompasses the ability to control one’s emotions and effectively manage interpersonal relationships.

Components of Emotional Intelligence

• Key Abilities Involved:

  • Self-awareness

  • Other Awareness

  • Emotion Regulation

• Significance:

  • Identified as the strongest predictor of performance in the workplace.

Practical Exercise: Emotional Reflection

• Instructions: Take out a sheet of paper and engage in self-reflection based on directed prompts.

Directional Preferences in Emotional Interaction

• North:

  • Characterization: Enjoys taking action, often plunging into tasks and experiences.

• East:

  • Characterization: Focuses on the big picture and possibilities before acting.

• South:

  • Characterization: Values consideration of others' feelings and ensures their voices are heard during decision-making.

• West:

  • Characterization: Requires to know the who, what, when, where, and why of situations before initiating action.

Self-Reflection Questions

• What are the strengths and limitations of your directional preferences?

• What other style do you find most challenging to work with?

• What do others need to know about you to collaborate effectively?

• What do you value in alternate styles of interaction?

Increased Awareness and Empathy

• Insight: The process of recognizing one’s preferences fosters empathy, which is fundamental to becoming emotionally intelligent.

Emotional Intelligence Learning Process

1. Determine personal aspirations (What do I want to be?).

2. Self-assess (Who am I and what are my strengths and gaps?).

3. Develop a strategy (How can I build on strengths and reduce gaps?).

4. Experiment with new behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.

5. Foster trusting relationships that facilitate personal growth and change.

Limitations of Emotional Intelligence

• Challenges:

  • Often considered vague and not easily quantifiable.

  • There is a plethora of different measures, complicating assessment.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

• Key Points:

  • Although distinct, emotional intelligence is related to other types of intelligences.

  • It represents an individual difference that varies among people.

  • This intelligence develops throughout a person’s life and can be cultivated.

  • Involves the capabilities necessary to identify, perceive, understand, and effectively manage emotions.

Five Components of Emotional Intelligence

1. Self-Awareness

2. Self-Regulation

3. Empathy

4. Social Skills

5. Decision-Making

Emotional Intelligence Scale

• Low vs High Emotional Intelligence:

  • Low Emotional Intelligence Traits:

  • Aggressive

  • Demanding

  • Egotistical

  • Confrontational

  • Easily Distracted

  • Impulsive

  • Poor Listener

  • High Emotional Intelligence Traits:

  • Assertive

  • Ambitious

  • Strong-Willed

  • Decisive

  • Warm

  • Enthusiastic

  • Good Listener

  • Adaptable

  • Patient

  • Stable

Indicators of High Emotional Intelligence

• Self-Management Skills:

  • Self-control

  • Trustworthiness

  • Conscientiousness

  • Adaptability

  • Achievement orientation

  • Initiative

• Self-Awareness:

  • Emotional accuracy

  • Self-confidence

• Social Skills:

  • Visionary leadership

  • Communication

  • Teamwork

  • Conflict management

• Social Awareness:

  • Empathy

  • Organizational awareness

  • Service orientation

Benefits of High Emotional Intelligence

• Improved relationships

• Healthier responses to life situations

• Enhanced self-confidence

• Greater resilience

• Increased self-awareness

• Enhanced empathy

• Better emotional regulation

• Improved social skills

• Insight that emotions drive decisions

• Better decision-making capabilities

• Reduced impulsivity

• Increased assertiveness

• More consistent happiness

• Enhanced problem-solving skills