Emotional intelligence (otherwise known as emotional quotient or EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

‘Research shows convincingly that emotional intelligence is more important than IQ in almost every role.’ (Covey)

Emotional intelligence helps you build stronger relationships, succeed at school and work, and achieve your career and personal goals. It can also help you to connect with your feelings, turn intention into action, and make informed decisions about what matters most to you.  

‘Researchers suggest that there are four different levels of emotional intelligence including emotional perception, the ability to reason using emotions, the ability to understand emotions, and the ability to manage emotions.’ (Salovey and Mayer, 1990) 

Tips to boost teachers’ emotional intelligence: 

• • Know that every interaction is an opportunity to convey you are a caring teacher; 
  • Be a source of inspiration for students and colleagues; 
  • Remember that, as a teacher, you are responsible for controlling the classroom’s emotional climate; 
  • Provide a climate and opportunities to let your students ‘save face’; 
  • Be aware of your personal strengths and limitations; 
  • Develop an ability to let go of mistakes and accept responsibility for them; 
  • Demonstrate empathy and concern for others; 
  • Show sensitivity to the feelings of others; 
  • Be able to say no when you need to; 
  • Be able to share your feelings with others; 
  • Take time to listen to what people are telling you – both verbally and non-verbally; 
  • Know why you do the things you do; 
  • Keep reflecting systematically on your emotional intelligence effectiveness. 

‘Being in tune with emotions can benefit the teaching and learning process.’ (Tilly Waite)

This blog was written by Bretta Townend-Jowitt, Education Consultant and Trainer.