Course Syllabus

Most people are more familiar with the idea of IQ -- intellectual quotient -- which is designed to help objectively determine a person's individual ability to grasp certain factual information and make logical conclusions. Essentially, it measures cognitive ability. Although the IQ test is much more commonly known, many people believe that EQ is equally, if not more, important than IQ. This type of thinking reflects the integral role that social dynamics plays in both our personal and professional lives. While (literal) geniuses may enjoy the luxury of not having to deal with recognizing and satisfying the emotional needs of others, the vast majority of people can benefit tremendously from increasing their ability to recognize and meet the emotional and social needs of their peers, family, employers, and customers or clients. 

The process of identifying, interpreting, evaluating, and controlling or manipulating the feelings comes more naturally to some people than others -- similar to how some people naturally have a higher IQ than others. It is important to note that a higher IQ and a higher EQ do not have to correlate within the same person. That is to say, a person may have a very high IQ and a low EQ, or vice versa. Some people face particular challenges when it comes to EQ based on personality characteristics, heredity, environment, mental health challenges, and so on. Fortunately, it is possible for the vast majority of people to raise their EQ, regardless of their current level. 

At this time, there are five main models of Emotional Intelligence: the Ability Model, Mixed Model, Trait Model, Bar-On Model, and the Genos Model. Each of these models require their own style of testing in order to determine your EQ according to the standards of that model. Likewise, each model has some differences as to how you can improve your EQ as determined by what they feel is relevant to measuring EQ. 

 Much of this concept is subjective and even scientists and researchers disagree about the methods of assessing EQ and the value (if any) that a high EQ may offer. Many people who score poorly when it comes to Emotional Intelligence are still tremendously successful both personally and professionally. 

That said, one of the most interesting and pertinent aspects of Emotional Intelligence is that it can be increased, and it definitely can be used to your advantage. This course will help you determine your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to EQ, and will also help you identify areas of your life where your Emotional Intelligence skills may be most effective. One of the most highly valued aspects of Emotional Intelligence lies in its ability to predict success or failure, as well as to identify ways to improve EQ and increase the likelihood of success in various aspects of life. Whether or not it genuinely is predictive is a much debated aspect of current Emotional Intelligence research. 

Although the concept of Emotional Intelligence was described, researched, and validated by scientists and psychologists, one of the most popular ways that EI is used is in the corporate setting. More than ever, bosses are looking to use EI/EQ as a method of maximizing the management or leadership potential of their employees. There are many companies designed specifically to consult with corporations and other interested parties by coming into the workplace, evaluating existing staff using various models of Emotional Intelligence, and working with staff to maximize their Emotional Intelligence so they can become better managers and leaders. One of the most common models of Emotional Intelligence was, in fact, designed specifically to be used in a workplace setting.