Helen Maffini

Emotional Intelligence, sometimes known as EQ or EI, is the key to building good relationships both with yourself and with others. The definition of EQ is important to clarify. What do we mean by EI or EQ and what does it encompass?

Why is emotional intelligence important? Imagine having the strategies and tools you need to manage yourself and your emotions when you are feeling upset, angry or irritated! Learning how to improve your emotional literacy and being able to read others faces and body language so you know how to handle situation to your best advantage is a key concept.

EQ skills can help you to do all this and more! It is the key for teachers and parents to help all children succeed. Through social emotional learning, SEL or character education these skills can and must be developed.

As a parent or an educator developing the EQ of a child is one of the greatest gifts available. Research shows people who have the skills of EI are the ones who are happy and successful in life. Of course academic achievement is important too, but EI skills are the ones that differentiate people, that lead to more happiness and success.

Emotional intelligence skills can help be developed in everyone, from a very young child to the CEO of a major corporation. Competences that are especially important are developing intrinsic motivation, managing reactions to events, reading body language, showing empathy, improving self-reflection and self-awareness and pursuing your "big" goals.