Emotional intelligence (EI) is today often considered the cornerstone of interpersonal skills. Indeed, it plays a determining role in our interactions and our decisions.
More than a simple ability to manage one’s emotions, it has become an essential lever for personal and professional success. However, its relatively recent concept was only popularized in France in recent decades. However, developing emotional intelligence is not just a trend, but a necessity for navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
The history of emotional intelligence in France
If emotional intelligence is today an omnipresent subject in French training and managerial circles, its introduction in France has been gradual. In the 1990s, Daniel Goleman was one of the first to democratize the concept thanks to his book Emotional Intelligence. However, the idea dates back to the work of researchers like Peter Salovey and John Mayer, who laid the foundations in 1990.
In France, however, interest in emotional intelligence only really emerged at the beginning of the 2000s, particularly in the field of management and human resources. As French companies sought to improve the quality of life at work and collective performance, EI emerged as a response to issues such as conflict prevention, talent retention and stress management. Today, training courses, workshops and seminars dedicated to EI are multiplying, proof that its importance is now fully recognized.
What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to identify, understand and manage one’s own emotions while being able to interact effectively with those of others. This concept is based on five fundamental pillars. First of all, self-awareness, which consists of recognizing one’s emotions and their influence on one’s thoughts and behaviors. Then, self-control, which allows you to control your emotional reactions and adapt to situations. Internal motivation is also something that should not be underestimated, because it helps you use your emotions to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles.
Empathy, on the other hand, involves perceiving and understanding the emotions of others, while social skills promote positive relationships, conflict resolution and effective collaboration. Unlike the intelligence quotient (IQ), which measures cognitive abilities, EI is more focused on relational and emotional intelligence, essential qualities for success in one’s personal and professional life.
Why develop your emotional intelligence?
Developing your emotional intelligence (EI) is much more than a simple exercise in introspection: it is a strategic approach with multiple benefits, both in personal and professional life.
A lever for professional success
It must be noted: technical skills are no longer enough. Leaders are now looking for individuals who can manage their emotions, work as a team and maintain effective communication, even under pressure. A high level of EI allows you to better understand the needs and expectations of colleagues, customers and partners. It thus promotes harmonious collaboration and informed decision-making.
For managers, EI is an essential skill. It allows them to unite their teams, defuse conflicts and create a work environment where everyone feels valued. In times of transformation or crisis, a manager with strong EI inspires confidence and stability, qualities to take into account to maintain employee engagement and performance.
A key factor in personal well-being
On an individual level, EI directly impacts stress management and emotional balance. A better understanding of your emotions helps you avoid impulsive reactions, overcome frustrations and bounce back from failures. It also promotes personal development by strengthening self-confidence and cultivating more authentic and satisfying relationships.
Additionally, studies show that people with high levels of EI are generally happier and more resilient. They are better able to navigate complex situations, learn from their experiences and maintain a positive attitude, particularly when faced with life’s challenges.
A growing societal issue
Also, inclusion and intercultural collaborations have become priorities, EI is essential to promote dialogue and mutual respect. It helps to reduce misunderstandings linked to differences and to build relationships based on listening and understanding.
By developing emotional intelligence, everyone contributes to creating more harmonious environments, whether family, professional or societal. This approach, although individual, therefore has a positive collective impact, fundamental to responding to current social and economic challenges.
An essential skill for the 21st century
Developing your emotional intelligence means investing in a key skill to succeed in all areas of life. By cultivating greater self-understanding, increased empathy, and rewarding relationships, everyone can leverage EI to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and contribute to a more human, connected world. In an era where human interactions are at the heart of success, emotional intelligence is no longer an option, but a priority.
Yes, but how to develop your emotional intelligence?
Developing your emotional intelligence is an ongoing process, accessible to everyone, but which requires work on yourself and regular practice. Here are the main steps and techniques to strengthen your emotional skills:
Know yourself
The first step is to develop self-awareness. It requires taking a step back from your emotions, identifying their triggers and understanding their impact. Tools like the emotional journal or mindfulness exercises can help you better analyze your daily reactions. For example, writing down your emotions at the end of the day allows you to identify recurring patterns and better anticipate your future responses.
Learn to regulate your emotions
Self-control is a key skill. It’s not about repressing your emotions, but about welcoming them and managing them constructively. Breathing techniques, such as heart coherence, or meditative practices can help reduce stress and avoid impulsive reactions. In a conflict situation, taking a moment to breathe before responding can transform a confrontation into a constructive exchange.
Strengthen your empathy
Empathy, the ability to put oneself in another’s place, is essential to improving relationships. To develop it, it is important to listen actively, without judging, and to ask open questions to better understand the other person’s point of view. Participating in collaborative activities or being interested in different cultural contexts can also broaden one’s understanding of emotions and varied perspectives.
Improve your social skills
Social skills are cultivated through practice. Learning to give and receive constructive feedback, resolve disagreements or collaborate effectively in diverse environments are daily exercises. Participating in training on nonviolent communication (NVC) or conflict management can strengthen these skills. Note that there are many resources available today to work on your EI. Some applications help you track and manage your emotions, while online training or face-to-face workshops allow you to improve your skills with practical exercises.
An asset for personal and professional life
Developing your emotional intelligence is not only beneficial at work. In the personal sphere, it helps improve relationships, better manage family conflicts and cultivate lasting emotional well-being. On a professional level, it is a major asset for managers, employees or anyone wishing to excel in a collaborative environment.
By investing in your emotional intelligence, you not only increase your ability to interact with others, but also your resilience in the face of life’s challenges. At a time when human skills are more valued than ever, EI is emerging as a real skill of the future.
