Emotional Intelligence Test

Answer 7 questions to better understand your emotional wisdom (or emotional intelligence as it’s more traditionally called) to improve your own well-being, as well as the people you interact with. This will take 2-3 minutes.

Emotional Wisdom Explained

Society doesn’t overtly promote emotional development. People are encouraged to achieve goals and outcomes, but a focus on tangible measures such as good academic grades doesn’t nurture these brain connections. Those society categorizes as the most “successful” can often be lacking in fundamental self-insight, which has a negative impact at later stages of your career. Having spent all of their time and energy focused on studies and work, they haven’t fully developed their emotional awareness and understanding of where they fit into the world. And these emotional management skills are as vital to leadership success, reaching potential, and life satisfaction as more tangible results.

This emotional capability is what is commonly termed “emotional intelligence.” There are various academic perspectives on what emotional intelligence is, all of which have pros and cons. The concept was introduced by John D. Mayer and Peter Salovey of Yale University in 1990, and was popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman in his book Emotional Intelligence.

For more on Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman go to www.danielgoleman.info

Emotional Intelligence or Emotional Wisdom?

I refer to the concept as emotional wisdom, because intelligence commonly denotes something that is concrete, which we are born either with or without. However, our ability to interpret and manage our emotions is something we can and do develop. The better we are, the wiser we become.

Self-awareness is the critical foundation on which emotions wisdom is built. It’s key because it forms a core part of your identity, how you interpret yourself, and how the world perceives you.

With more advanced levels of emotional wisdom come the abilities to communicate more effectively, connect with people more meaningfully, persuade others of your perspective, influence, network, and, particularly for leaders, navigate political situations and mitigate conflict. A good level of emotional wisdom also allows you to manage stress and anxiety more effectively, freeing up your observing brain to make clearer judgments and work more productively toward your goals.

Text taken from Fiona Murden’s book Defining You Build Your Unique Personal Profile & Unlock Your True Potential