What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up in 1 Sentence
By Justin Bariso

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
Since it was first introduced decades ago, the concept
of emotional intelligence has been heralded by many
as the secret, intangible key to success. But as the
idea has increased in popularity, it's also become
widely misunderstood, and at times, criticized.
Interestingly, even scientists, researchers, and others
don't always agree on exactly what emotional
intelligence is.

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
You may have read various, complex definitions for
what makes up the concept of emotional intelligence.
But we can actually sum up it up in a single, simple
sentence:
Emotional intelligence is the ability to make emotions
work for you, instead of against you.

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
But before you dismiss the idea, consider just two
examples of how this might look in real life:
• Managing your emotions: Let's say you're involved
in a conversation that suddenly turns from friendly
disagreement to passionate argument. As you
recognize the situation has become emotionally
charged, you work hard to get your feelings "under
control," even taking leave to prevent yourself
from saying or doing something you'll later regret.

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
• Managing others' emotions: On another occasion,
you recognize that your conversation partner is
speaking and acting irrationally, due to being in an
emotional state, even as you remain calm. You
then make efforts to defuse the situation...or
gently change the subject. If it's necessary to
continue the discussion, you decide to wait until
the person is in a better frame of mind, and then
give careful thought to how to broach the subject
in the right way.

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
These are just two examples, and they're not one-
size-fits-all. Certain issues require an immediate
response. And in certain circumstances, it may be
better for you to display your anger--as long as it's to
the proper degree and you don't lose control of
yourself.
But every day, we witness emotionally intelligent
actions that make us and the people around us
better. For example, consider the following:

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
• Instead of dismissing a complaint from a 5-year-
old, Gap's CEO took her suggestion from idea to
major change in just two weeks
• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella sent an extraordinary
email to employees--after they committed an epic
fail
• A restaurant owner was publicly criticized by The
New York Times; instead of snapping back or
deflecting the feedback, he put his feelings aside
and apologized
• Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg used a personal
tragedy to make better company policies for her
colleagues

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
One more thing: It's important to realize that
emotional intelligence isn't inherently virtuous. Like
any ability, it can be used both ethically and
unethically; for example, psychologists have
documented how narcissists and egomaniacs use
such skills to bully or manipulate others.
But the best defense against being manipulated by
those with high emotional intelligence...is to work to
increase your own.

What Is Emotional Intelligence, Exactly?
Here's the Entire Concept, Summed Up
in 1 Sentence
So whether you're trying to get the best out of
yourself or your team, or looking to protect yourself
from others who are trying to take advantage of your
feelings, remember:
Work to increase your emotional intelligence.
And make emotions work for you, instead of against
you.
This content originally appeared on Inc.com.

EQ, APPLIED: The Real-World Guide to
Emotional Intelligence by Justin Bariso
EQ, APPLIED: The Real-World Guide to Emotional Intelligence, uses fascinating research,
modern examples, and personal stories to illustrate how emotional intelligence works in
the real world--and provides a practical set of tools that help you make emotions work
for you, instead of against you.
You'll learn how to:
• Transform your strongest emotions from a destructive force to a power for good
• Use knowledge about the brain and the way it works to help shape your emotional
habits
• Get the most out of the feedback you receive—whether positive or negative
• Use empathy to help you (and keep it from hurting you)
• Cultivate and maintain deeper, more meaningful relationships
Authentic. Balanced. Practical: EQ Applied is the real-world approach to emotional
intelligence you've been searching for.
EQ, APPLIED: The Real-World Guide to Emotional Intelligence is available via Amazon.com.