Comparison between Emotional and Traditional Intelligence

How does EI differ from traditional conceptions of intelligence? In order to explain how emotional intelligence and traditional intelligence differ, we would first need to define each one of them. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions and the emotions of others (Tobak, 2019). Traditional intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, and apply information to skill, logical reasoning, and word comprehension to life situations.  Now that we defined the two, how do they differ? EI or emotional intelligence measures emotions, while traditional intelligence measures a person’s’s general intelligence. EI is a skill that is learned and can improve while IQ is something that a human being is born with. EI also measures a person’s social and emotional competencies, while traditional intelligence measures a person academic ability. Emotional intelligence is being able to think about and empathize with how other people are feeling (Cherry, K. n.d.). Emotionally intelligent people know that emotions can be powerful, but also temporary (Cherry, K. n.d.).

After completing the emotional intelligence test, do you think that emotional intelligence can be “learned?” Do you see the value in focusing on working to increase your emotional intelligence? Why or why not? I do think emotional intelligence is something that can be taught. With the proper assessments and training, one could learn how to interact with others, develop social skills, empathy, and learn how to motivate others. I have worked in the field of healthcare for the past fourteen years. I have worked as a certified nursing assistant and a secretary. In healthcare, a person must have specific skills to be able to build strong working relationships and manage the most difficult situations. I honestly think it is something I have learned over the fourteen years of working with patients and their families. I took the emotional intelligence test from the website Minds Tools titled How intelligent are you (“How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?”, 2019)? After going over the results of my emotional intelligence assessment, if I could improve on anything, I would say it would be in the area of self-regulation. I do believe I need to work on managing my emotions effectively. I can be emotional at times, which can be a horrible trait in a leadership role because people look to you to fix issues, but if you are an emotional wreck how can you get the job done effectively. I also believe I have room to improve in the social area because I am shy and introvert. Leaders are normally outspoken and extroverts. I encourage everyone to work on increasing their emotional intelligence because it can be very beneficial to the success of their career and personal life.

Is there a relationship between EI and leadership, between EI and motivation? How would you define those relationships? Let’s first begin with EI and leadership. I do believe there is a correlation between the two. There is research that shows emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in determining a person’s success, both in one’s personal life and in their career (Acha, V., Hargiss, K. M., & Howard, C. 2013, October 01).  Most successful leaders are aware of their emotions and know to keep in them in line. They also know how their emotions can affect others and the success of the organization (“Why Every Leader Needs Emotional Intelligence – ezClocker”, 2019). They know how to identify their weaknesses and strengths are and know how to work on improving their shortfalls. Emotionally intelligent leaders also know how to build trust and work to inspire others to be great at what they do. Also, EI and motivation go hand and hand as well. How can someone motivate others when they lack self-motivation?  Self-motivation includes our drive to improve and achieve, commitment to our goals, initiative, or readiness to act on opportunities, and optimism and resilience (“Emotional Intelligence | SkillsYouNeed,” 2019). Staff who are motivated are more likely to produce more work than those who are not motivated.

Have you worked for a manager that you think exhibited a high degree of EI? Conversely, have you worked for a manager that exhibited a low level of EI? What was the impact of this manager(s) on your? own motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction? Do you think the manager’s EI was beneficial when interacting with employees from culturally diverse backgrounds?

My current manager is the operations manager of the Sterile Processing Department of a local hospital in Atlanta. I think she exhibited a high level of emotional intelligence. The reason I say she exhibits a high level of emotional intelligence is that she shows she knows how to control any situation presented to her. It can be a surgeon complaining about instruments or trays not being correct for their surgery case. She will take whatever criticism they have but work on finding a solution to the problem, so everyone is happy with her solution. She shows empathy for staff and their personal life situations but also make sure it does not affect her department at the same time. She also knows how to resolve issues we may have between staff, physicians, and the different vendors we serve. Lastly, she always offers her staff praise for doing such a good job. I believe staff needs to hear now and again that they are appreciated for their service. My current manager has impacted me to want to complete school so I can further my career. She also has shown me purpose with the motivating conversations we always have. I would say she has increased my motivation the short time working in the department.

I will say my former manager exhibited a low level of emotional intelligence. She was someone who had an issue of admitting when she was wrong and accepting responsibility for her actions.  I became less motivated, and that was one of the reasons I decided to transfer from the unit I worked on for over five years. I started to feel like I lacked motivation when coming into work because of the negative energy.

My department is made up of a diverse group of people my boss has made each of us feel as if we belong in the department and that our work is very much valued and respected. She has shown empathy for employees who lacked an understanding of how and why things are done here in the United States by giving them advice and knowledge. Also, employees who can speak different languages are allowed to get certified so they can translate for patients or visitors who don’t speak English.

References

• Tobak, S. (2019). Don’t Believe the Hype Around ‘Emotional Intelligence’. Retrieved 13 August 2019, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/237459
• Cherry, K. (n.d.). How Emotionally Intelligent Are You? Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-emotional-intelligence-2795423
• Emotional Intelligence | SkillsYouNeed. (2019). Retrieved 13 August 2019, from
• https://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/emotional-intelligence.html
• Acha, V., Hargiss, K. M., & Howard, C. (2013, October 01). The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence of a Leader and Employee Motivation to Job Performance. Retrieved from https://www.igi-global.com/article/the-relationship-between-emotional-intelligence-of-a-leader-and-employee-motivation-to-job-performance/103868
• Why Every Leader Needs Emotional Intelligence – ezClocker. (2019). Retrieved 14 August 2019, from https://blog.ezclocker.com/why-every-leader-needs-emotional-intelligence/
• How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?. (2019). Retrieved 14 August 2019, from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/ei-quiz.htm