Exploring the Role of Emotional Intelligence in Workplace Success Presentation for 6th Annual Conference of the Women in Engineering Advisory Committee Ryerson University Elaine Sigurdson October22, 2005

What is Emotion? Latin: motus anima - the spirit that moves us Families of Emotion 1.Anger 2.Sadness 3.Fear 4.Enjoyment 5.Love 6.Surprise 7.Disgust 8.Shame

Purpose of Emotions Evolved to have a powerful role in our psyches Energize us to act - to avoid pain and seek pleasure Response to danger High positive energy state spurs high performance Add colour and texture to our world

From to – A Historical Perspective 1905 – Alfred Binet developed first intelligence test for use in schools IQ testing gained momentum during WWI - IQ seen as only significant predictor of potential for decades 1983 – Howard Gardner – concept of multiple intelligences; intelligence goes well beyond narrow definition that predicts success on 3 Rs 1985– Reuven BarOn – Israeli psychologist –life long research on factors that determine success in life showed emotional factors – not IQ, significant; coined term EQ or Emotional Quotient

From to – A Historical Perspective Emotional Intelligence achieved notoriety with publication of Daniel Golemans book summarizing large body of research BarOn EQ-I published by Multi-Health Sytems (MHS) in Toronto, 1997; basis of majority of EQ research Golemans Working with Emotional Intelligence and association with the Hay group expanded the definition of emotional intelligence

What is Emotional Intelligence ? Salovey the ability to know and manage ones own emotions; recognize emotions in others and handle relationships BarOn an array of non-cognitive abilities that influence ones ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures) the personal, social and survival aspects of overall intelligence ( Stein, CEO of MHS)

What is Emotional Intelligence ? Goleman/Hay Expanded definition to 25 competencies that differentiate stars from average performers,( e.g. achievement, conscientiousness, leadership, initiative, leveraging diversity, etc.); source of controversy

What Emotional Intelligence is Not Versus IQ measures cognitive intelligence, how readily we learn new things, remember, reason with words and numbers, think abstractly and analytically; problem solve by applying previous knowledge. IQ predicts success in school; EQ measures success in life! IQ is relatively fixed through life; EQ rises steadily (average 5 points) from late teens through 40s ; as we get older we get wiser

EQ is not Personality Personality tests - measure relatively enduring traits that are fixed throughout life (e.g. outgoing, adventurous, ambitious) Emotional intelligence tests - measure short-term, dynamic and tactical skills that are brought into play when a situation warrants it.

Emotional Intelligence Model Emotional Self-Awareness Assertiveness Independence Self Regard Self-Actualization Empathy Social Responsibility Interpersonal Relationships Problem Solving Reality Testing Flexibility Stress Tolerance Impulse Control

The Intrapersonal Realm The ability to know and manage yourself Emotional Self-awareness: The degree to which you are in touch with your feelings; to know what you are feeling and why Assertiveness: The ability to clearly express your feelings and thoughts, stand your ground and defend your position Independence: The ability to be self-directed and self- controlled; to stand on your own two feet Self-Regard: The ability to recognize your strengths and weaknesses; to accept yourself, warts and all Self-Actualization: The degree to which you are involved in pursuits that are meaningful to you and allow you to realize your potential

The Interpersonal Realm The ability to interact and get along with others Empathy: The ability to tune in to and emotionally read other people Social Responsibility: The ability to function as a responsible trustworthy and dependable member of the team or community Interpersonal Relationships: The ability to forge and maintain relationships that are mutually beneficial and marked by give and take and a sense of emotional closeness

The Adaptability Realm The ability to be flexible and realistic and to solve problems as they arise Problem-Solving: Ability to define, confront and devise effective solutions to problems as they arise in all areas of life Reality Testing: The ability to see things as they actually are rather than the way you want them to be Flexibility: The ability to adjust your feelings, thoughts and behaviours to changing circumstances

The Stress Management Realm The ability to tolerate stress and control impulses Stress Tolerance: The ability to remain calm and focused in stressful and pressured circumstances Impulse Control: The ability to pause and think before acting out in an aggressive or irresponsible manner; self-control

The General Mood Realm Optimism: The ability to look at the brighter side of life; to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude even in the face of adversity Happiness: Your contentment with life – the ability to enjoy yourself and others

EQ and Work Success Emotional Intelligence Factors that differentiate between high and low performers Sales (524) Self-Actualization Assertiveness Happiness Optimism Self-Regard

EQ and Work Success Emotional Intelligence Factors that differentiate between high and low performers Senior Managers (260) Self-Regard Happiness Interpersonal Relationships Reality Testing Self-Actualization

EQ and Work Success Emotional Intelligence Factors that differentiate between high and low performers Engineers (86) Self-Actualization Happiness Optimism Empathy Interpersonal Relationships

Emotional Intelligence and Gender Overall EQ scores very similar for men and women across countries and cultures worldwide. Gender differences on component scales: Women had higher scores on Social Responsibility and Empathy worldwide. In North America, women slightly higher on Interpersonal Relationships Men had higher scores on Stress Tolerance worldwide. North American men higher on Self-Regard

The Case for Emotional Fitness Numerous studies : IQ predicts 1-20% (average is 6) of work success; EQ predicts 25-47% - depending upon the function Of 19 career stoppers and stallers (Lominger leadership competencies ) - 13 reflect EQ deficiencies The Millionaire Next Door, 5 top factors rated by millionaires as most responsible for their success are emotional fitness factors