Psychologycalendar_todayLast updated: Apr 2026
What is Emotional Intelligence?
/ˌɛmɪˈʃɒnəl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions — both your own and those of others.
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Everyday Example
A manager who notices a team member is unusually quiet in meetings and checks in privately, rather than pushing harder in front of the group, is demonstrating emotional intelligence.
publicReal-World Application
“Research by TalentSmart found that EQ accounts for 58% of performance across all job types, and 90% of top performers score high in emotional intelligence.”
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Did you know?
The concept was popularised by Daniel Goleman in his 1995 book "Emotional Intelligence," though the academic framework was developed earlier by Salovey and Mayer.
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Key Insight
IQ gets you hired; EQ gets you promoted. Technical skills have a ceiling — the ability to manage relationships and navigate emotions determines how far most people go.
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