What Is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to process, rationalize, and understand the emotions of oneself and of those around them. It is a combination of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and problem-solving skills. The concept of emotional intelligence has been around since the early 1990s, but it has achieved increasing prominence in recent years. This is partly due to the rise of digital technologies that have allowed people to connect with each other in ways not thought possible before, and partly due to a growing awareness of the importance of understanding and managing emotions in the workplace. Emotional intelligence is often seen as a set of competencies that can be learned, ranging from emotion recognition and self-control to managing relationships and decision-making. Emotional intelligence is also commonly associated with “soft skills”—the ability to be successful in both personal and professional life by understanding and adapting to the feelings of others. People with higher emotional intelligence tend to be better at making decisions, handling stress, resolving conflicts, and understanding why someone may be feeling a certain way. They often excel in social situations, and are better able to pick up on subtle cues from those around them. Nowadays, emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly valuable in the business world, as companies realize that a strong emotional intelligence can give them an edge over the competition. From customer service to sales, the ability to read a customers emotions, tailor the approach accordingly, and resolve any issues quickly can make a big difference. Not only that, but a high emotional quotient (EQ) is key to having better working relationships, inspiring team loyalty, and ultimately, achieving better overall results. Companies are now beginning to measure and develop their workers emotional intelligence, as it has been proven that an emotionally intelligent workforce is more successful. In summary, emotional intelligence plays an important role in many areas of life, from business and management to relationships and personal development. It is an essential life skill, and one that is worth investing in for both individuals and organizations.