What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)?

Emotional Intelligence is the unique repertoire of emotional skills that a person uses to navigate the everyday challenges of life. In his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, Daniel Goleman defines Emotional Intelligence as the “capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and our relationships.” Research demonstrates that Emotional Intelligence may be more important than IQ for promoting academic, personal and occupational success.

Why is EI important within the college environment?

Former UCLA administrator Chip Anderson noted, “more students leave college because of disillusionment, discouragement, or reduced motivation than because of lack of ability or dismissal by school administration.” The use of Emotional Intelligence to aid the student development process can address these non-academic challenges. Fostering Emotional Intelligence can assist students in adapting to the environmental demands and pressures of the college environment. Investing in the emotional development of students also impacts leadership effectiveness, both on campus and in the future. Finally, emotional competency development benefits the career development process, promoting a successful transition from college into the workplace.