David Wechsler's Theory Of Emotional Intelligence

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:

KEY TO LEADERSHIP

INTRODUCTION

Every human being is born with certain emotions. Emotions are part and parcel of their life and they exhibit them time and again. It can be unique potential for emotional sensitivity, emotional memory, emotional processing and emotional learning ability. These are possibly four inborn components form the core of one’s Emotional Intelligence. Of course, its intensity and magnitude varies from person to person and also ability to use and implement in particular situations. This emotional sensitivity and potential gives a human being ability to learn healthy emotional management skills, which we call Emotional Intelligence (EI).

EI, in other words, is a type of social intelligence that involves

The earliest roots of EI can be traced in Darwin’s work. During 1900’s even though the traditional definitions of intelligence emphasis cognitive aspects such as memory, problem-solving skills, also many researchers in related field of study began to realise the importance of cognitive aspects. In early 1920’s Thorndik used the term social intelligence instead of EI to describe the skills of understanding and managing other people. In 1940, David Wechsler described the influence of non-intellective factors on intelligent behaviour. In 1983 Howard Gardner’s “Frame of Mind, The Theory of Multiple Intelligence” introduced the idea of multiple intelligence, which explains the interpersonal intelligence which means the capacity to understand the intention, motivations and desire of other people and also Intrapersonal Intelligence which means the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate ones feeling, fear and motivation. Inspite of many researchers involved in writing and researching in these regards there is a disagreement regarding the authentic definition of EI with respect to both in terminology and operationalization. Views of many and their definitions are so varied so that the researchers are constantly amending even their own

Without this, bad communication, misunderstandings and mistakes can occur. In today’s world organizations culture, interacting with superiors and peers is a part of everyday life. EI is the ability to manage these interactions to improve relationships, build trust and create a teamwork culture. For that, a leader must have the skills to handle barriers and interpersonal issues. Without EI, a leader can be as arrogant, rigid or selfish. These traits can slow or halt development and creativity in any organization. . A person with the combination of technical skills and soft skills has proven to be successful in a leadership