Emotional Intelligence and Coaching

Ever since Peter Salovey (Yale) and John Mayer1. Perceive or sense emotions - the ability to
(New Hampshire) first coined the term "Emotionalrecognize how you and those around you are
Intelligence" (EQ) in 1990, much has beenfeeling.
researched and written about what EQ is, how it2. Use emotions to assist thought - the ability to
works, and what you can do to improve it. Andgenerate an emotion, and then reason with this
those three concepts have an important impactemotion (Also called Emotional Facilitation of
on the coaching profession.Thought, or Assimilating Emotions).
Daniel Goleman brought "Emotional Intelligence"3. Understand emotions - the ability to understand
into the mainstream with the publication of hiscomplex emotions and emotional "chains," how
1995 book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Canemotions transition from one stage to another.
Matter More Than IQ. Since that time, coaches4. Manage emotions - the ability which allows you
have been adopting various EQ concepts.to manage emotions in your self and others.o For
What it is and How it WorksSix Seconds to Practice EQ, you should:
Definitions of EQ vary:o Daniel Goleman's1. Know Yourself by enhancing emotional literacy
Definition: "It is the capacity for recognizing ourand recognizing patterns.
own feelings and those of others for motivating2. Choose Yourself by applying consequential
ourselves, and for managing emotions well inthinking, navigating emotions, engaging intrinsic
ourselves and in our relationships." (1998)o Amotivation, and exercising optimism.
Definition Based on Behavioral Thought: "Emotional3. Give Yourself by increasing empathy and
Intelligence is the ability to restrain negativepursuing noble goals.o Dr. Bar-On's EQ-i assesses
feelings such as anger and self-doubt, and insteadfive areas: Intrapersonal (awareness); Stress
focus on positive ones such as confidence andManagement (problem solving); Adaptability (stress
congeniality." (From the American Psychologicaltolerance); and General Mood (happiness).o Travis
Association Monitor, Volume 29, Number 7 - JulyBradberry and Jean Greaves now offer a variety
1998 by Bridget Murray, Monitor staff)o Saloveyof consulting services pertaining to talent
and Mayer's Definition: "Emotional Intelligence is themanagement, as well as online assessments with
ability to perceive emotions, to access ande-learning, through their company TalentSmart.
generate emotions so as to assist thought, toThey follow the Daniel Goleman concept of
understand emotions and emotional knowledge,Emotional Intelligence.
and to reflectively regulate emotions so as toI prefer a simple definition of Emotional
promote emotional and intellectual growth."Intelligence: "Emotional Intelligence is being intelligent
(1997)o Six Seconds' Definition: "Emotionalabout your emotions." I also subscribe to the
Intelligence is the capacity to get optimal resultsoriginal five EQ competencies identified by
from your relationships with yourself and others."Goleman:o Awarenesso Regulationo Motivation
(1997)o Dr. Reuven Bar-On's Definition: "EmotionalINTERNALo Empathyo Social Skills
Intelligence is an array of non-cognitive capabilities,EXTERNAL
competencies, and skills that influence one's ability2,000 years ago Plato wrote, "All learning has an
to succeed in coping with environmental demandsemotional base." Since then people have worked
and pressures." (1997)o Q-Metrics' Definition:to prove or disprove the importance of emotions;
"Emotional Intelligence is the ability to sense,and a growing body of research is showing that
understand, and effectively apply the power andemotions help us to make good decisions and help
acumen of emotions as a source of humanus focus.
energy, information, trust, creativity and influence."What you can do to improve it
(2002)o Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves'There are a number of things you can do to
Definition: "Emotional Intelligence is your ability toimprove your emotional intelligence. Depending on
recognize and understand emotions, and your skillthe individual, some work better than others.
at using this awareness to manage yourself and1. Do nothing. Since EQ is involved with maturity,
relationships with others." (From The Emotionaljust keep maturing; and the older you get the
Intelligence Quickbook, 2003)o Steve Hein'smore mature you should become and the higher
Definition: "The mental ability we are born withyour EQ should become as well.
which gives us our emotional sensitivity and our2. Self coach. Study and learn all you can about
potential for emotional learning management skillsEQ, and find someone to model who has well
which can help us maximize our long term health,developed EQ skills. Practice through: self talk;
happiness and survival." (From EQ for Everybody,becoming aware of your emotions at any given
1996); recently changed to: "Emotional intelligencemoment; regulating your emotions; practicing
is the innate potential to feel, use, communicate,empathy; and working on getting along with all
recognize, remember, learn from, manage, andkinds of people.
understand emotions."3. Hire a coach. A coach is a partner and an
To get more specific about some of theobjective observer who can help you focus on
definitions:o Goleman originally identified fiveyour fundamental beliefs and assessments,
competencies of Emotional Intelligence: internally -change your behavior, and improve your decision
Awareness, Regulation, Motivation; externally -making in those aspects of EQ where you are
Empathy and Social Skills. Goleman has sincemost deficient.
reduced his list of competencies to four -I have seen individuals make tremendous
Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Socialprogress in improving their EQ when working with
Awareness, and Relationship Management - anda coach. Emotional intelligence is combining the
he lists 19 categories under those four domains.ohead and the heart, and a coach can help in
There are four parts to the Salovey/Mayermaking the combination work to your advantage.
definition: