The five components of
emotional intelligence
In the Harvard Business Review’s video, it is demonstrated that emotion intelligence is just as important as both IQ and technical ability. So what is emotional intelligence and what is it that makes it just so important?
To break down emotional intelligence, we can assess each of its five components, as categorised by Daniel Goleman:
Self-Awareness: Understanding our own emotions. In order for us to understand our students, we first need to understand ourselves. We need to realise that we have strengths and weaknesses, as do our students. When teaching, we need to focus on each individual student’s strengths when creating a tailored teaching approach for them; everybody learns in different ways. For a more student-focussed approach to learning, check out our tutored course, Building a Student-Centred Classroom.
Self-Regulation: The ability to control or re-direct disruptive impulses. We need to think before we act and consider others at all times. In the classroom it can be difficult, with so many personalities focused on the same goal. We need to remember to consider the individual who we are speaking to each time we interact with our students. For help in these situations, have a look at our course on Managing Meeting Personalities.
Motivation: A passion to work with energy and persistence. We have all experienced moments in teaching where we feel like we just can’t get through to students. We need to persist in trying to understand how they feel, and what can be done to help them on an individual level. Why not have a look at our short course on Communicating Effectively?
Empathy: Understanding the emotional needs of others. Not only do we need to understand our students, but we need to act accordingly; we should always remember that they have their own individual strengths and weaknesses and use this to our advantage in education them.
Social Skill: Proficiency in developing relationships. It can be difficult managing so many personalities in such a confined space, but the best educators know their audience. Try and get to know your students, who they are, what drives them, and then we can tailor their learning experience for better results!
Interested in boosting your own emotional intelligence? Try our Emotional Intelligence course on NAU today, and don’t forget to get in touch and let us know how you got on.
David Docherty
Programme Officer
Education Team
Click the image to watch the video on the Harvard Business Review website (opens in new tab)