How to Increase Intelligence Emotionally As Well As Intellectually

What about the claim from Daniel Goleman, the world guru on Emotional Intelligence that it is worth only one-fifth of IQ? I have long been an admirer of his work since reading "Emotional Intelligence" just after it was published in the mid 1990's, having previously read Howard Gardner's work (The Unschooled Mind & Multiple Intelligences). But my continuing fascination for the subject stems from the paradox of knowing intellectually on the one hand, as Daniel Goleman describes, that EQ in reality has only 20% of the effect compared with IQ. Yet on the other hand, it is experiencing the frequent feeling that it has ten times the power of IQ and that can delude us into thinking we should give it far more time.

However it has always seemed to me that the 20% of real value of EQ can still be priceless, provided one has been able to manage one's feelings effectively. Nevertheless this is where the seeds of fascination can soon become obsessive zeal to make EQ seem disproportionately more important. When I wonder what has driven this range and intensity of interest in EQ, rightly or wrongly, I have assumed that an ever increasing number of us want to feel able to "come out" over emotions. The burgeoning Emotional intelligence Group on Linked In has to be evidence of that. Literally thousands have joined it.

Yet it does not mean that we have learned how best to channel and direct our feelings. In fact many of us not only find that impossible, we find the emotional triggers it throws up from our past extraordinarily painful.

I wonder too whether, with much of youth behavioural issues stemming from difficult parental issues and poor environments, the inability of some young people to manage frustration, anger and emotional pain has nevertheless to be treated as if it is more important than 20% of IQ.

But my great plea to anyone reading this article, would be to show more of what you feel. Our emotional response is an amazingly powerful communicator. It is also an accurate reflection of the passion and commitment we have and in my view should never be a cause of shame or embarrassment. Books abound on how we can feel and better manage our emotions and I would urge taking every opportunity to learn how better to incorporate this feature of ourselves in our daily lives.

It will do much for our apparent intelligence and lead to a much happier life.

Gerry Neale is the Author of a novel called Squaring Circles which focusses on emotional self-discovery in an intriguing story.www.squaringcircles.co.uk and blog: http://squaringcirclesbygerryneale.blogspot.com: