by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 20, 2009

What is emotional intelligence? Emotional intelligence is the ability to control, perceive, and evaluate the emotions of yourself and others. Most researchers agree that the tendencies to be emotionally intelligent are inborn, but like any other skill it can be taught and strengthened.

A clear example of a technical professional with absolutely no emotional intelligence is the very premise of the character in a current sitcom. Sheldon, an extremely intelligent technical professional, is an overblown of example of why technical professionals need to learn emotional intelligence.

Geeks, technical professionals, are a much needed employee in any organization. However, many geeks could learn a lot and be more valuable associates if they could master emotional intelligence as well.

Many of the techniques and assumptions are based on research done by Reuven Bar-on. He developed a test to measure people's self report of emotional intelligence competencies.

There are five areas that the test looks for:

Interpersonal (relationships)

Intrapersonal (awareness)

Stress Management (problem solving)

General mood (happiness)

Adaptability (stress tolerance).

Even the most logical people can see that these are important in the work environment. So how does one "work" on these qualities?

Many us of believe that we are paying attention to our feelings and the feelings of those around us. Sometimes we are really just paying attention to what we think about the feelings instead of the actual feelings. To pay attention to the feelings the body must be brought into awareness. It can seem almost intolerable to "feel" the physical discomfort in our bodies, so instead we switch focus to our minds. However, empathy, a great tool comes from exploring the physical body experience.

Stan, the geek computer guy, got the frantic call. "My computer just made a noise that sounded like a train wreck. It says something about a virus and I don't know what to do." The woman was actually crying. The Stanley before becoming emotionally intelligent would have rolled his eyes and begin telling her what to do.

The Stanley after becoming emotionally intelligent handles the situation a little differently. "Jamie, I understand how upsetting this is. Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be alright. This is something that we can work out together." Chances are with this approach Jamie will be ready to receive directions and will also have positive feelings about the interaction.

Clearly emotional intelligence is an attribute that is needed in the work place. All technical professionals are not created equally and many already posess the skills needed. Please take no offense to the genralizations in the article.

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