NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the Military Curriculum By Ms Lily Wisker

Scope Concept of EI EI and Leadership Performance EI and Military Leadership Myth of EI EI in Military Curriculum Conclusion Questions

Concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) Theory of EI –by Harvard Psychologist, Howard Gardner, 1983 Based on “Social Intelligence Concept” by Thordike, 1920 Developed from neuro-psychology and neuro-science - focuses on connection and circuitry in the brain that regulates emotions

Definitions of EI Bar- On (1997) - An array of non-cognitive skills. A set of emotional and social capabilities that influences one’s general ability to effectively face her/his environment’s demand Goleman (1995; 1998) – Competencies that may develop through learning and is increased with age and linked with maturity Mayer, Caruso & Salovey (1997; 2000; 2002) – Ability to accurately, perceive and express emotions of oneself and the emotions of others

EI and Leadership Effectiveness Positive association with managerial performance (Cote & Miners, 2007; Dulewicz, Young & Dulewicz, 2005; Semadar et al., 2006) Better predictor of success than general intelligence, IQ (Goleman, 998; Pellitteri, 2002) Ability to exercise self-control ( Barling, et al., 2000) Encourage creative and innovative thinking (Isen, et al., 1987) Ability to inspire and motivate morale of subordinates (George, 2000)

EI and Military Leadership EI too “soft, civilian and wimpy image” – mistaken perception (Abrahams, 2007) “Leadership is about INFLUENCING” people (FM22-100, 1999, p. 4-6) Success on operations depend more on morale of people than on material advantages (NZDDP –D, 2004, p. 6-12) Conceptual link between EI and transformational leadership – military context (Livingstone, et al., 2002)

Myth of EI Elusive and vague concept (Davies, et al., 1998) More myth than science (Matthew, 2002) Concept and measures are not coherent Bar –On, 1997 Goleman, 1995; 1998 Mayer, Caruso & Salovey, 1997; 2000; 2002 Association of EI and leadership effectiveness not consistent

EI in Military Curriculum EI Constructs Has roots in social intelligence Interpersonal and intrapersonal domains Not personality traits Develop with age EI does not work in isolation Feed both EI and Cognitive Skills into curriculum What level of leadership needs EI? Developing EI Short seminars and workshops Intensive coaching Relevant feedback Personal development

Conclusion Emotional Intelligence and Military Curriculum An idea whose time has come However Be Cautious

Question?? Know the Other and Know Yourself: One Hundred Challenges without Danger; Know Not the Other and Yet Know Yourself: One Triumph for One Defeat; Know Not the Other and Know Not Yourself: Every Challenge is Certain a Peril; Sun Tzu, Art of War