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JIMINY SELF-HELP HANDBOOK 4

1.2. Learning Objectives
A. Understand that emotional intelligence can be learned,
educated and constantly improved
B. Understand what Emotional Intelligence is and identify the
benefits of having higher emotional intelligence
C. Be able to relate more effectively to colleagues and to others
D. Master tools to regulate and gain control of one’s own emotions
E. Be aware how emotions affect our behaviour and performance
F. Define and practice self-awareness and self-management, in
order to be able to really improve and function better in a team
and to create a better work environment for oneself and co-
workers

Competencies: emotional awareness, accurate self-assessment, self-confidence, self-control,
trustworthiness, conscientiousness, adaptability.

2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.1. Emotional Intelligence

What is Emotional Intelligence and its importance

There is no consensus in the literature on a definition of emotion. “Anybody can become angry
The term is taken for granted in itself and, most often, emotion - that is easy, but to be angry
is defined with reference to a list: anger, disgust, fear, joy, with the right person and to
sadness, interest, surprise and shame. Emotion refers to a feeling the right degree and at the
and the thoughts it engenders, to psychological and biological right time and for the right
states and to the extent that we are inclined to act. purpose, and in the right way
- that is not within
Emotional intelligence has started receiving the attention it
everybody's power and is not
deserves only in the beginning of the years 2000, most probably
easy.”
as a result of the publication in different languages of Daniel
Aristotle
Goleman’s book – “Emotional Intelligence”, in 1995. By 2016, it
became so obvious to everyone that emotional intelligence is
linked to personal and professional success that in that year the World Economic Forum included it in
2
a list of 10 main skills necessary in the modern and rapidly changing job market.

Emotional intelligence is generally defined as the ability to (a) recognize, understand, and
manage our own emotions; and (b) recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others.

“Emotional intelligence is what we use when we empathize with our co-workers, have deep
conversations about our relationships with significant others, and attempt to manage an unruly or

2 The Future of Jobs, 2016, World Economic Forum – p.6