Emotional Intelligence > Can Emotional Intelligence be Developed?

Another factor contributing to the popularity of emotional intelligence theories is the assumption that, unlike IQ, emotional intelligence can be developed. There has been some degree of skepticism on this point. For example, one eminent psychologist recently commented, "We know a great deal about the origins of personality traits. Traits from all five factors are strongly influenced by genes and are extraordinarily persistent in adulthood. This is likely to be unwelcome news to proponents of emotional intelligence, who have sometimes contrasted a supposed malleability of emotional intelligence with the relative fixity of traditional IQ".

However despite this skepticism, there is some evidence that people can improve on emotional intelligence competencies. One study conducted at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University allowed students to assess their emotional intelligence competencies, in addition to cognitive ones, select the specific competencies they would target for development, and develop and implement an individualized learning plan to strengthen those competencies.

Objective assessment of students at the beginning of the program, upon graduation and again years later on-the-job provided a unique opportunity to help address the issue of whether emotional intelligence competencies can be developed.

As can be seen, the effects the results of this research have shown that emotional intelligence competencies can be significantly improved, and, moreover, these improvements are sustainable over time.

Summary
One the main points made by psychologists is that the abilities associated with emotional intelligence have been studied for many years. There is an impressive, and growing, body of research suggesting that these abilities are important for success in many areas of life and particularly strong evidence to suggest that they are an important predictor of effective performance at work.

There is a considerable body of research suggesting that a person’s ability to perceive, identify, and manage emotion provides the basis for the kinds of social and emotional competencies that are important for success in almost any job. As the pace of change increases and the world of work makes ever greater demands on a person’s cognitive, emotional, and physical resources, this particular set of abilities will become increasingly important.