Think Happy!

According to a BBC report, the British government are considering introducing lessons in ‘emotional intelligence’ to all schools in England.

…The term emotional intelligence (EI) is a relatively new one. Despite its recent arrival it has become embedded in our vernacular and linked to almost every area of life. From contentment in your home life to success in the workplace, it always seems irrevocably wrapped up in your ability to get in touch with your feeling - and others.

The term ‘emotional intelligence’ was coined in 1990 by Salovey and Mayer. They described emotional intelligence as ‘a form of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor ones own and others feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide ones thinking and action’.

However, it was down to psychologist Daniel Goleman to popularise the theory of in 1995 with his best-selling Emotional Intelligence. The model of EI espoused by Gorman (there are at least 3 main models) views it as a mixed intelligence involving cognitive ability and personality. Goleman’s model focuses on how cognitive and personality factors determine workplace success. (In fact, his 1998 book, Working with Emotional Intelligence, Goleman went so far as to claim that EI was the largest single predictor of success in the workplace.)

Goleman’s model speaks of ‘Four Domains of Emotional Intelligence’:

1. Self-awareness (Emotional Self-Awareness, Accurate Self-Assessment and Self Confidence)
2. Self-management (Emotional Self-Control, Transparency (Trustworthiness), Adaptability, Achievement Orientation, Initiative, Optimism, Conscientiousness)
3. Social awareness (Empathy, Organizational Awareness, Service Orientation)
4. Relationship management (Inspirational Leadership, Influence, DevelopingOthers, Change Catalyst, Conflict Management, Building Bonds, Teamwork and Collaboration, Communication)

However, these are learned abilities, rather than inate talents. Hence, the proposal to teach it in our schools.

The government even wants EI taught in all classrooms. A pilot scheme in primary schools found it improved behaviour and academic performance. This week ministers announced they now wanted to extend such lessons to secondary schools.

Source: BBC NEWS