The five key skills of emotional intelligence

Knowledge of One's Own Emotions (Self-Awareness)

Self-awareness is the cornerstone of Goleman's model.

It is defined as the ability to recognize and understand our own moods, emotions, and impulses, as well as their effect on others.

It involves being able to identify a feeling at the precise moment it arises, which is essential, since without knowing what we feel, it is impossible to manage it effectively.

The Ability to Control Emotions (Self-Regulation)

Once we are aware of an emotion, self-regulation is the ability to control it and redirect it constructively.

It is not about suppressing feelings, but rather managing them so that they do not overwhelm us, allowing us to think clearly, avoid hasty judgments, and recover more quickly from emotional setbacks.

The Ability to Motivate Oneself (Self-motivation)

Self-motivation is the passion to work for reasons beyond money or status. It is the tendency to pursue goals with energy and persistence.

This skill allows us to use our emotions to propel us forward, remain optimistic in the face of failure, and postpone immediate gratification in favor of long-term goals.

Recognizing Others' Emotions (Empathy)

Empathy is the ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people. It involves the ability to treat people based on their emotional reactions.

It's not just about "feeling with" the other person, but understanding their perspective, concerns, and needs, which is crucial for establishing relationships of trust and rapport.

Controlling and Managing Social Relationships (Social Skills)

Finally, social skills are the culmination of the previous competencies.

They refer to expertise in managing and building networks of contacts, the ability to find common ground, and generating rapport.

It is the ability to use our emotional awareness, self-regulation, and empathy to interact fluidly, lead, negotiate, and resolve disputes.

Summary

Self-awareness involves recognizing our emotions as they arise. This internal knowledge is key to being able to manage them appropriately and understand their impact on others.

Self-regulation allows us to channel our emotions constructively. It's not about repressing them, but rather mastering them to act with clarity, calm, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Emotional intelligence also includes self-motivation,Empathy and social skills are essential for driving us toward goals, understanding others, and establishing positive, effective, and empathetic relationships.