Emotional Intelligence in our Book Corner

After 2 months of absence, we came together in the Book Corner last Sunday to explore emotional intelligence, guided by Helena, a motivated psychology graduate. Based on Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, we examined the core aspects of emotional awareness and its impact on our personal and professional lives. The session offered us all a chance to reflect, connect, and learn together in a meaningful way.

Helena began by inviting everyone to reflect on their current feelings, asking them to rate their mood on a scale from 1 to 10. Responses varied, from those feeling happy to those struggling through tough situations.

Helena then introduced us to the concept of emotional intelligence, based on the book Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, which identifies five essential aspects:

1. Self-awareness

2. Self-regulation

3. Motivation

4. Empathy

5. Social skills

She explained how different parts of the brain contribute to each of these abilities. While discussing self-awareness, Elie raised an interesting question: “Why should I spend time and effort understanding my feelings instead of just focusing on my goals?” Helena responded that while goal orientation is valid, it doesn’t make someone emotionally intelligent. Actually, self-awareness and self-control ease goal achievement, providing both success and satisfaction.

We also discussed the difference between empathy and sympathy—two concepts that are often confused. Sympathy involves telling someone how they feel, sometimes from a detached viewpoint, while empathy means truly understanding and sharing in someone’s experience, which is essential for offering real help.

Both Father Elia and Helena talked about the importance of emotional intelligence in workplaces, highlighting how much employees value their employers' EQ. They understand that leaders with high emotional intelligence are vital to their business's success.

Marina asked about psychologists, like Jordan Peterson, who don’t believe in emotional intelligence. Helena explained that they reject the term itself, finding the words “emotional” and “intelligence” incompatible.

Later, we played a lively game where Helena named emotional skills, and those who felt they had them raised their hands. Melissa, a member of YBTE, won and received a valuable prize for emotional regulation—chocolate!

“I was so excited for our meeting, since it had been two months since we last met in the Book Corner. I gained many new info about the brain’s structure and function. I’m excited about the prospect of future sessions on emotional intelligence because it’s a fascinating, essential and wide topic. To me, true education allows us to discern between emotions, ideas, and actions. Being able to contribute to that here in the Book Corner means a lot to me.":  Marina, the coordinator of the Book Corner's project.

Learn more about the Book Corner