Emotional Intelligence VS Cognitive Intelligence

Which, if any, is more important in your opinion and why: Cognitive

Intelligence (IQ) or Emotional Intelligence (EI).

What is Cognitive Intelligence?

According to Stein (2009, p.44) ‘Cognitive Intelligence focuses on the ability to act purposely, think rationally, and deal effectively with your environment.’

What is Emotional Intelligence?

According to Brackett et al (2004. p.31) ‘The ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate and emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.’

Basically, Emotional Intelligence is when a person has the ability to assess situations, decide what is important and what needs to be done and then takes a course of an action which is an appropriate response. Emotionally Intelligent people can identify and control their emotions in situations where there are high levels of demand and pressure. An emotionally intelligent person is very empathetic and always considers the needs of others. (Stein, 2009, p.44)

Which do I think is more important and why?

I think emotional Intelligence is more important because the benefits to it are more appealing and it has a better case.

‘The Benefits of emotional intelligence are success and satisfaction in your professional and personal lives.’(Blell, 2011, p.29)

According to Blell (2011, p.29) Emotional Intelligence will enable you to have the ability to: Have a better relationship with your family and friends and you will be able to maintain these relationships. ‘Reduced fear and anxiety about relationships with people’ (Blell, p.29)

You will be able to Deal effectively in situations with high levels of pressure and demand. (Stein, 2009, p.44) According to Blell (2009, p.29) ‘You will begin to exercise more control over the emotional impulses that prompt you to react to the things around you, allowing you to respond appropriately.’

Bibliography:

Brackett, M, A, Salovey, P, and Mayer, J, D (2004) Emotional Intelligence: Key readings on the Mayer and Salovey Mode: USA: NPR Inc.

Santos Blell, D (2011) Emotional Intelligence for the authentic ad diverse workplace USA: iUniverse

Stein, S J., PhD (2009) Emotional Intelligence for Dummies, USA: Quality Books Inc.