Defining Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is often mistaken for IQ (Intelligence Quotient). While both represent types of intelligence that can influence personal and professional decisions, they focus on different abilities.

IQ measures intellectual capabilities such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and the comprehension of new concepts. In contrast, emotional intelligence (also referred to as EQ) encompasses the ability to:

  • Accurately identify emotions in oneself and others
  • Understand and manage those emotions
  • Effectively communicate emotional feelings

To further clarify these concepts, here are insights from experts in the field:

Reuven Bar-On, Ph.D.
“Emotional intelligence is a collection of personal, emotional, and social competencies and skills that affect one’s ability to cope with environmental demands and pressures.”

John Mayer, Ph.D., and Peter Salovey, Ph.D.
“[Emotional intelligence is] the ability to perceive, appraise, and express emotion accurately and adaptively; to understand emotional knowledge; to access and generate feelings that facilitate thought; and to regulate emotions in ways that assist thought.”

Mayer and Salovey also introduced the PUUM Model:

  • Perceive
  • Use
  • Understand
  • Manage

Daniel Goleman
“Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of and express our emotions, as well as effectively manage and moderate them. It prevents anger from escalating into rage and sadness from deepening into despair.”

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