Jan 312008
Lately, I have been thinking about values and EI so I started to re-read some of the earlier writing on the theory. These abilities are to be used to promote emotional growth and development. People high on EI are not masters of the universe, nor do they rise to the top of the corporate heap. They do, however, have stronger and more positive relationships, they communicate more clearly, and they care.
This drills into a key issue for me: emotional intelligence vs emotional wisdom.
Intelligence can be used for all kinds of purposes – from nefarious to noble – so perhaps same would be true of emotional intelligence?
Unless inherent in EQ is some moderating because emotion serves a social function (e.g., if empathy is either part of our a result of emotional intelligence, then that might moderate antisocial behavior). But presumably someone could be “intelligent” with emotions but use that for evil?
That’s why the Six Seconds EQ Model has the “give yourself” or “self-direction” component – we want people to use their capacity toward some sustaining, mutually beneficial purpose. What’s rather delightful is that this orientation actually helps people also get more of what they really want in the day to day!
David this is really interesting because it is often one of the first questions people wrestle with when they start to explore emotional intelligence – do you have to have good intentions to be described as emotionally intelligent? What do you think….?
I am also filled with optimism that we are moving more and more towards a world where the masters of the universe do care, and do something about it. They may have a lot to work out, but isn’t it wonderful that all the intention is there?
Most recent examples are Bill Gates – Creative Capitalism
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7207808.stm
…. Much admired Muhammad Yunus with micro-credit and his new book Social Business.
.. . .And the creation of The Elders – http://www.theelders.org/
And Josh, the 6 Seconds model works a dream. No quicker way to manage difficult situations or transform emotions than getting curious and deploying some empathy
The ability model includes an emotional empathy component – it’s not just a raw, analytical intelligence. My feeling is that empathy is the failsafe mechanism so that one’s EI is utilized for pro-social purposes.
My belief, and hope, is that there is no ‘dark side’ to ability EI, unlike, say charismatic leadership. The data do support the idea that people high in EI engage in positive behaviors, are more supportive, get along better, get into less fights, etc.