Emotional, Relational and Team intelligence (ERT-i) is a driver of personal and career success. Devin Singh, Ph.D. — Professor, Executive Coach and SurePeople Certified Practitioner — shares two foundational practices for increasing Emotional intelligence in Part 1 of this series.
Most people are familiar with the concept of IQ, which speaks to one’s intellectual, rational or cognitive capacities.
Equally important to who we are is our Emotional intelligence, or Ei.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Studies have shown that having high Emotional intelligence contributes to our own personal and life satisfaction, as well as career progress and success.
Having Emotional intelligence means being aware of one’s own emotions and emotional states, being able to name and express those, and being aware of how those emotions — and the ways that we express them — has an impact on the world around us and others in our lives.
Having a high level of Emotional intelligence aids us in leading satisfying and fulfilling lives, as well as effectively leading, managing and interacting with others.
What is Relational Intelligence?
We can think of Relational intelligence (Ri) as Emotional intelligence turned outward.
Once we’re able to monitor and be aware of ourselves and our emotions and impact, Relational intelligence speaks to our ability to be aware how we affect others and how their emotional states might be affecting us.
Relational intelligence includes the ability to read and discern other people’s emotions, as well as be able to speak to them about those emotional states and to enter into those conversations with confidence.
This enables us to act with empathy, to interact with and resolve conflict, and motivate and persuade others in ways that have impact.
What is Team Intelligence?
Team intelligence (Ti) is Emotional intelligence applied in a team setting.
This is unique because teams are groups that have come together around a specific vision and purpose. They have a particular end goal in mind. And, the emotional states and morale of the team matters, in terms of fulfilling that goal.
Having good Team intelligence includes the ability to assess, tap into and manage the emotional states of the team. This allows a leader to anticipate roadblocks to communication, resolve conflict and recognize and honor team members’ unique contributions. Team intelligence also helps colleagues nurture and support one another as they all reach their full potential.
Further, in order for team members to reach this full potential, a sense of psychological safety is often critical, where an atmosphere of trust is established and where team members can take risks and be vulnerable.
Having Team intelligence enables leaders to facilitate this psychological safety and enable the team to reach full potential.
Two Foundational Practices For Increasing Emotional Intelligence:
Knowing yourself is a foundational aspect of Emotional intelligence. With self-awareness, we connect more deeply and meaningfully in relationships.
The ability to manage yourself is another important aspect of Emotional intelligence that builds upon self-awareness and self-knowledge.
The ERT-i competency model is integrated within SurePeople’s platform. For more information about how leaders and their team members can build skills and capabilities that have never been more relevant for the modern workforce, please reach out.
Author
by Devin Singh, Ph.D.
