Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others. Why is this important? A student who can manage their exam stress and work well with peers on projects likely has high emotional intelligence, which will lead him to better academic performance. Similarly, in the workplace, a manager with strong emotional intelligence can resolve conflicts or handle difficult conversations. In this article, we will discuss why developing emotional intelligence is crucial for young minds and its benefits in education and careers.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and utilise emotions effectively. It is often abbreviated as EQ (emotional quotient) and encompasses several key components:
It involves recognising one’s own emotions and understanding their impact on thoughts and behaviour.
This means managing emotions healthily and constructively, and maintaining self-control in various situations.
It entails harnessing emotions to pursue goals with energy and persistence.
This is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which helps in fostering strong interpersonal relationships.
These involve managing relationships to move people in desired directions, building networks, and maintaining rapport.
Emotional intelligence and academic success go hand in hand. But why is this connection so important? Learning self-awareness helps young individuals understand their emotions and how they influence behaviour, promoting better decision-making and self-confidence. Self-regulation aids in managing stress, maintaining focus, and developing resilience, all essential for academic success. Motivation drives students to pursue goals with persistence. Empathy and social skills enable them to build strong relationships and work collaboratively. Therefore, to truly excel academically, students must also work on developing emotional intelligence in all these aspects.
At Global Achievers Academy, we prioritise emotional intelligence by including reflective practices, group activities, and sessions with guest speakers like Christine Miles, an expert on emotional intelligence. This holistic approach ensures students develop the essential skills needed for personal and professional success.
