I first learned about Emotional Intelligence while taking graduate courses in business communications and team management in order to better lead the Judson College Web Team. The more I became acquainted with the concepts introduced by Daniel Goleman, the more I realized that emotional intelligence can make a huge difference at all stages of life.
Seniors (especially those who have just come to Charlottesville for retirement and may not have any close relationships within their new community) need to be able to establish new relationships and form bonds with others if they are to live happily and productively in their later years.
Many seniors seem to focus on negatives rather than accentuating the positive, and this can have a negative impact on making new friends. If you feel worse after talking to someone, are you going to seek them out for outings or conversations in the future? With a little emotional intelligence you will be better able to empathize with others and know that everyone needs a little cheering up – especially when times are difficult!
As I read the Edutopia article quoted below, I decided to get out the books I already have and reread them. I have also ordered a couple of new titles for my Kindle, and I am expecting to write more posts in the future on emotional intelligence and its ramifications. Ecological Intelligence seems really important right now, so I am going to start there!
Here is the quote from the Edutopia article:
Emotional Intelligence Is the Missing Piece
Social and emotional learning can help students successfully resolve conflict, communicate clearly, solve problems, and much more.
Whether it’s in the boardroom or the classroom, individuals need the skills to communicate, work in teams, and let go of the personal and family issues that get in the way of working and learning. Such skills add up to what is known as emotional intelligence, and they are even more important as educators realize that these skills are critical to academic achievement.
Emotionally intelligent individuals stand out. Their ability to empathize, persevere, control impulses, communicate clearly, make thoughtful decisions, solve problems, and work with others earns them friends and success. They tend to lead happier lives, with more satisfying relationships. At work, they are more productive, and they spur productivity in others. At school, they do better on standardized tests and help create a safe, comfortable classroom atmosphere that makes it easier to learn.
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