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• Emotional intelligence consists of skills that can be learned.

• With these skills, youth will be better prepared for adulthood.

• You can find information and approaches here which can assist youth to gain these skills.

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WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?

Emotional intelligence can be described as having:

• self-awareness;

• emotional control;

• self-motivation;

• empathy; and

• relationship skills.

If youth learn these skills at a young age they can build positive attitudes for their future.

This skill set is a predictor of not only their success in life but their happiness.

The term emotional intelligence first appeared in the 1960s.

It became mainstream after 1995.

This is when science journalist, Daniel Goleman published his book:

Emotional Intelligence – Why it can matter more than IQ.

 

Emotionally intelligent individuals are perceived to be:

• positive;

• socially skilled;

• empathetic;

• more self-aware;

• able to manage themselves;

• self-confident;

• more balanced in their life;

• less insecure or depressed;

• in better health;

• better in making life choices;

• able to manage their emotions and be well behaved;

• able to relate to others around them;

• better in family and relationships;

• better academically;

• better with social relations at work;

• effective in team performance and negotiations; and

• able to adapt to change.

 

BENEFITS:

These skills improve our communication resulting in better:

• learning;

• friendships;

• academic success;

• and employment.

 

EMPLOYMENT:

The rates of change and pressures in the workplace are increasing.

In the past years, emotional intelligence has become an important job skill. It has even surpassing technical ability.

Here are some common reasons why employers seek people with high emotional intelligence.

They:

• are empathetic to others;

• are good listeners;

• have a high level of understanding and cooperation;

• accept feedback;

• set a good example for others;

• are thoughtful and thorough decision-makers; and

• can handle pressure.

 

HOW TO HELP:

Social skills and effective communication can be taught.

When working with youth in group sessions, we can:

• Build a trusted environment where emotions are discussed;

• Encourage self-reflection;

• Enable youth to speak freely about their feelings;

• Ask them to identify and express what they think and feel;

• Help youth accept others;

• Help them learn to have empathy for their peers;

• Assist them to practice active listening;

• Review their approaches for problem-solving;

• Discuss how to resolve conflicts;

• Encourage them to take turns with other participants;

• Provide positive feedback to other participants; and

• Encourage them to consider the thoughts and feelings of others.

Review mindfulness practice which can help reduce stress, depression and anxiety.

Equip them with an emotional education that can improve the quality of their lives.

Youth group sessions can boost participant’s:

• emotional intelligence;

• social skills;

• productivity;

• academic performance;

• leadership skills;

• attention;

• and reduce anxiety, depression and instances of bullying.

In youth group sessions we can offer opportunities to learn many skills which can enhance emotional intelligence.

What are your thoughts and comments? To forward them, please see the “How Can You Help?” section below.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Comment and Request more information in ‘Leave a Reply’ to this post.

• Subscribe to our newsletter.

• Join a Moderators session (Discuss how to moderate online sessions)

A PARENT’S GUIDE:

There is a guide available which assists parents and others working with youth.

The guide enables a person to be proactive in the success of a child’s future.

It contains activities to assist youth to gain critical soft skills.

They will become more resourceful and independent when they practice and gain these skills.

The guide is available from Our Future Leaders.

Request the Parent’s Guide here: http://www.ourfutureleaders.ca/contact-us/

EVERY CHILD DESERVES A WONDERFUL FUTURE.

What are you going to do to assist children to become our future leaders?

Fred Jones

Victoria, BC Canada

Fred Jones