Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i)

What is EQ-i (emotional intelligence)?

EQ-i is the ability to effectively know our own emotions and to appropriately regulate them so we can tolerate stress, express ourselves effectively, and relate to others in a productive, positive manner.

EQ-i gives us the ability to read our environment, grasp what others want and need, remain unruffled by stress, and be engaging – the kind of person others want to be around.

Unlike IQ, which is a relatively fixed construct, individuals can grow, foster and develop their EQ (or EQ-i), which increases one’s ability to succeed and to be happy.

What made Nebraska the country's happiest state in 2009?

NTV, a local TV station, interviewed Seanne Emerton, owner of Family Resources of Greater Nebraska, when ABC reported in 2009 that Nebraska was the happiest state in the country. Press play below to watch the video.

Interested in learning more about what it takes to be happy? Check out Martin Seligman's book, "Authentic Happiness." And on Ted.com , Malcolm Gladwell, author of "The Tipping Point," "Blink," and "Outliers," suggests in his humorous talk that happiness is a choice.

What does it matter?

Happy people are healthier people. Happy people experience more success and show less absenteeism in work environments. They are more productive and have enhanced job satisfaction.

Emotional Intelligence skills can be the key that leads to college success for students. That’s because one can enhance the ability to adapt and be flexible in a new environment with intention towards growing EI.

We are being judged by a new yardstick; not just how smart we are, or by our training and expertise, but also how well we handle ourselves and each other. Daniel Goleman, Ph.D.

EQ-i is the key to 27% to 46% of workplace success. (Bar-on, MHS)

For all levels of jobs, EQ-i competencies are twice as effective as IQ in determining an individual’s success rate. (Goleman, 1998)

85—95% of the difference between a “good leader” and an “excellent leader” is due to emotional intelligence. (Daniel Goleman)