Four Pieces of Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Daniel Goleman challenges how the world views intellect with the idea of "emotional intelligence". This theory holds that a person's IQ is not be the most important factor in determining success in the workplace. Goleman believes that in order to do well one must "be smart enough to get in the game" but not necessarily have the highest IQ. I think emotional intelligence can be split into four interconnected pieces that must fit together properly, much like a puzzle, in order for success: understanding your emotions, managing emotions, perceiving emotions, and using your emotions.

1. Understanding your emotions

This is a crucial step in emotional intelligence because in order to understand others' emotions, you must first understand your own emotions and feelings. The "wisdom of emotions" takes information from past experiences to form the best decision or what is known as a gut feeling. Without this seemingly simple ability, we could not be successful.

2. Managing your emotions

The next branch of emotional intelligence is the ability to be able to successfully manage your own emotions. Once you know what emotion you are feeling, you can only achieve if you do not let those emotions get in the way of your goals. Dr. Goleman added that you do your best when your attention is focused. People who easily allow distractions to prevent them from discovering his or her greatest potential will not do as well as those who are able to control these feelings.

3. Perceiving emotions

This piece involves how one responds to other people's emotions. Someone who is very good at realizing and understanding thoughts will have more success satisfying the other person's needs or desires. This is obviously beneficial in the business world and will greatly increase chances of success at work. Part of our brain called the "social brain" is designed to interact with others. Those who know how to use this part of the brain most effectively will thrive regardless of raw intelligence.

4. Using your emotions

Most successful leaders understand how to use emotions in order to benefit him or her. Not only can emotions be used to be effective and persuasive, but they can also be used to motivate others and most importantly yourself. Goleman explained that the "singular drive to achieve" is the difference between the exceptional and the average.