What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence refers to the capacity to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others. This skill set includes the ability to identify emotions, utilize this information to guide thinking and behavior, and manage or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or to achieve goals. Individuals with high emotional intelligence can navigate social complexities and build stronger relationships, which is crucial in both personal and professional settings.

The designation of emotional intelligence emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and regulation in effective communication and interpersonal relationships. By understanding this concept, one can appreciate how emotional intelligence can positively impact leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution. This also explains why the other options do not accurately represent the definition. Ignoring emotions does not contribute to emotional intelligence, nor does merely measuring social connectivity or identifying a mental health disorder encapsulate this multifaceted skill.