Discussion Board Forum 1 

Emotional Intelligence 

Definition: 

 Emotional Intelligence is defined as “the ability to monitor one’s own and other’s feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions.” (John D. Mayer and Peter Salvovey; SCMS Journal of Indian Management, October-December 2011).  

Summary: 

The article that I have chosen to summarize is titledEmotional IntelligenceCompetent Professionalism. This article speaks about the many different factors and sub categories that one must be aware of and considerate of when working in a professional business setting while in an authoritive position. Thearticle was written by Dr. Umashankar K., and Dr. Rangantham G. These men took time to conduct careful studies and researchregarding the emotional intelligence of man and also man in a professional businesssetting. These doctors have come to scientific results, facts and conclusions that will help to positively improveprofessional work environments and the relationships between management and employee’s. For  these reasons I think that Dr. Umashankar K. and Dr. Rangantham G. opinions, research and findings should be respected in relation to the topic of emotional intelligence.  

Discussion:  

I chose to discuss this article because I believe it is the closest article that is relevantto the topic of Emotional Intelligence. The author’s of this article, Dr.Umashankar K and Dr. Ranganatham G., have provided detailed information of the significant role and importance that emotional intelligence plays relating to the professional business career environment. This being a business class, makes the topic relevant and necessary.  

Before reading the article in full I was expecting that there would be one basic explanation to the topic of emotional intelligence. To my surprise as I read along, I learned that there are several interesting sub categories that need to be recognized in order to comprehend emotional intelligence. A lot of the sub categories strongly relate to having self awareness and the awareness of others. As I read along I came to the realization and understanding that if someone in a position of authority who has dictation over a group of people does not have self awareness or awareness of other people they would have a much lesser chance at successfully effectively running the business and maintaining the happiness, satisfaction andconfidence of the employee’s in whichthey were overseeing.   

Several of the sub categories explain why and how this article is relevant to the key term (emotional intelligence) that I chose to discuss. The subcategories are as followed: Intrapersonal Awareness, Interpersonal Awareness, Self Esteem, Self Motivation, Self Appreciation, Self Criticism, Validation of ones actions, Admiration of others, Understanding Social Emotions, Understanding Group Dynamics, Motivating Others and Empathizing. All of these categories play a small portion of what makes up the total understanding of emotional intelligence in a professional business management position.  

Of the several categories mentioned I found that Intrapersonal Awareness and Validation of ones actions were the most interesting to learn regarding evaluation of ones self. Intrapersonal Awareness because it makes sense to be aware of our own feeling, emotions and internal system before we attempt to understand someone else’s. When I learned this I related it to love. We must first learn to love ourselves before we can love another. I see this as the same difference. Validation of ones actions was the second most interesting thing to me because I feel as though it is important to be able to understand why we do the things we do and the way that we do them. It is a form of accountability. If a persons does not understand or cannot explain why they go about things in the way they do, that would be a poor quality possessed in a managementposition.    

I found the categories of Empathy and Motivating others to be the most interesting in relation to the evaluation of others. As a manager running a business you have to be able to empathize with your staff/ employees. I have had the opportunities to be in the both the role of a manager as well as an employee. When reading this article I took myself back a few years when I used to be a department manager of a retail store in my early 20’s. I was faced with some situations here and there when staff would call out, request to leave early or have poor work performances randomly. During those times I would take time to privately speak with the staffin a manor of concern with every intention to do whatever I was capable of doing to help them through whatever may be causing their issue. I knew that If I would have approachedsomeone in a inconsiderateway, there would have been a negative non effective outcome.  This is why I am aware that empathy is a very significant factor in a profession business setting. Motivating others is the second most interesting thing to me relating to Interpersonal Awareness because without it people are more likely to stay at a stand still.  Some people need motivation to excel in their work task, projects or careers in general. A management team who encourages their staff creates positive work environments and gives a sense of value to employees in their job roles.  

BiblicalIntegration:  

I have two Bible scriptures that I believe are closely related to the discussion of my key term Emotional Intelligence. “Daniel 1:17- As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” When I think of this scripture and relate it to emotional intelligence in the business environment I compare the part of giving the learning tools to succeed. When a manager see’s an employee who lacks a skill or requirement or who has a weak area, they should work to give them all of the tools, instructions, teachings and equipment needed for improvement as God gave unto the youths.  “Colossians 3:12- Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, hold and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” This Bible truth relates to Emotional Intelligence in the sense that each person in a business environment, regardless of status, pay scale or position, should be treated by management with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.  

References:  

Dr. Umashankar K., SCMS Journal of Indian Management, October-December 2011. 

Dr. Rangantham G., SCMS Journal of Indian Management, October-December 2011. 

John D. Mayer, & Peter Salovey, Emotional Intelligence, Baywood Publishing Company, New York: 1990.  

The Holy Bible.  

  ProQuestDocuments-2014-07-03.rtf (49.32 KB)