In a recent BigThink talk, renowned psychologist Daniel Goleman shared insights into the growing importance of emotional intelligence in both personal and professional success. He believes that while cognitive abilities like IQ may help individuals secure jobs and perform well academically, it is emotional intelligence that sets outstanding performers and leaders apart. As AI continues to take over many cognitive tasks, Goleman asserts that emotional intelligence will remain a uniquely human ability that will be increasingly critical in the future.

Goleman, author of the best-selling book Emotional Intelligence, described emotional intelligence as a set of personal skills that people learn throughout their lives. These skills, he explained, are crucial for managing emotions, tuning into others, and building strong, harmonious relationships. He outlined four core domains of emotional intelligence, each encompassing specific competencies that define emotionally intelligent individuals.

The four domains and their associated competencies include:

1. Self-awareness

• Emotional self-awareness: Understanding one’s own emotions and how they affect thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions.

1. Self-management

• Emotional self-control: The ability to manage disruptive emotions and impulses.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in handling change.
• Achievement orientation: Striving to meet or exceed personal goals.
• Positive outlook: The tendency to see the best in situations and people.

1. Social awareness

• Empathy: Understanding the emotions and needs of others.
• Organizational awareness: Understanding the dynamics and structure of social and professional settings.

1. Relationship management

• Influence: The ability to positively impact others.
• Coaching and mentoring: Helping others grow and develop.
• Conflict management: Navigating and resolving disagreements effectively.
• Teamwork: Working well with others toward shared goals.
• Inspirational leadership: Motivating and guiding others with a compelling vision.

Goleman emphasized that unlike IQ, which remains relatively fixed throughout life, emotional intelligence can be developed and improved over time. By cultivating self-awareness and learning to manage emotions more effectively, individuals can enhance their relationships, become better leaders, and improve their overall well-being. He shared examples from his global experiences, illustrating how emotional intelligence in leaders can inspire teams, boost performance, and foster a positive organizational culture.

In one memorable anecdote, Goleman described a New York City bus driver named Govan Brown who transformed the mood of his passengers by greeting them warmly and engaging in conversation. Brown’s emotional intelligence not only created a positive atmosphere on the bus but also left a lasting impact on the people he interacted with.

Goleman concluded by discussing the broader societal benefits of emotional intelligence. He believes that fostering emotional intelligence on a larger scale could lead to more compassionate communities, more effective parenting, and a greater sense of environmental responsibility. Ultimately, Goleman envisions a world where emotional intelligence helps create stronger, more connected relationships in all areas of life.