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Understanding the EQ in you: An Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

Discovering Emotional Intelligence: A Powerful First Step with Helena Ghosh

Domus Orientalis recently hosted the kickoff session of an inspiring awareness series on emotional intelligence (EQ), led by the passionate and engaging clinical counselor Helena Ghosh, as the speaker. With a cozy audience of 25 to 30 curious minds, the session was as interactive as it was enlightening. The evening started with a warm introduction by volunteer Marina Abi Aad, who, as the session monitor, set the tone perfectly. Her enthusiasm created the ideal atmosphere for Helena to dive into the fascinating world of EQ.

What Is Emotional Intelligence? Let’s Break It Down

Helena opened the session by dissecting the term “emotional intelligence.” “To truly understand emotional intelligence, we need to start by defining emotions and intelligence separately.” She described emotions as natural responses that influence how we connect with others and navigate the world.

Helena then distinguished primary emotions—like joy, fear, and anger—from secondary emotions, such as gratitude and resentment. To illustrate, she provided a relatable example: “Imagine running into a friend you haven’t seen in years. The happiness you feel is a primary emotion. If that friend had supported you during tough times, you might also feel gratitude—a secondary emotion shaped by your experiences.” Adding also how emotions arise in the brain's limbic system, particularly emphasizing the role of the amygdala.

Intelligence and the Role of the Frontal Lobe

The speaker took a moment to delve into the science of intelligence, linking it to the brain’s frontal lobe. “The frontal lobe is the control center for problem-solving, learning, and adaptability,” she explained. She highlighted how intelligence and IQ, largely influenced by genetics, manifest differently across individuals. «Some children excel in learning effortlessly, while others face challenges like learning difficulties,” emphasizing that intelligence isn’t just about academic achievement but also about adaptability.

The Five Pillars of Emotional Intelligence

Helena explored the five foundational pillars of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—using relatable examples that brought each concept to life:

Strating by self-Awareness Helena explained that self-awareness is about recognizing and understanding your emotions as they happen. She shared an example of two people dealing with the same problem that left them feeling angry. One person was unaware of their anger and let it fester, affecting their mood and interactions for the rest of the day. The other recognized their anger, pinpointed its source, and addressed it constructively, preventing it from ruining their day. “The ability to identify what you feel and why you feel it is the first step to managing your emotions”. Helena also described motivation as using emotions to fuel success. “It’s about channeling your energy to achieve your goals,” she said. For example, a person might feel frustration after facing a setback, but instead of giving up, they use that emotion to push harder and reach their desired outcome.

Howard Gardner’s Theory: A Central Theme

One of the key highlights of the session was Helena’s emphasis on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and its profound connection to the five pillars of emotional intelligence. “Each type of intelligence Gardner identified can help us express and enhance different pillars of EQ,” she explained.

For example, empathy was connected to spatial intelligence, the ability to visualize and interpret perspectives. “A person with strong spatial intelligence has the ability to visualize and interpret spaces. This can extend to emotional spaces—reading the room, understanding the dynamics, and sensing what others are feeling without needing them to express it outright.”

EQ vs. IQ: The Game-Changer

Helena, the speaker moved on to explain how EQ differs from IQ, emphasizing its importance in personal and professional success. “IQ might open the door for opportunities, but EQ is what keeps you inside and thriving,” she said.

Helena gave an insightful example about Steve Jobs. “Jobs had a brilliant IQ, but his EQ wasn’t as strong, which often created challenges with his team. Thankfully, his employees had high EQ, and that balance contributed to their overall success.”

She also highlighted other figures, like Jeff Bezos and Martin Luther King, saying, “These individuals had high EQ, which allowed them to connect deeply with others, inspire change, and build lasting legacies.”

Learning Through Fun: Myths and Realities

The session ended on a high note with a vibrant and interactive game, co-facilitated by Marina. Participants used red and green cards to distinguish between myths and realities about EQ. Statements like “Emotional intelligence is innate and cannot be developed” (myth) and “EQ can improve decision-making and relationships” (reality) sparked lively discussions and plenty of laughs.

Engaging Q&A and Looking Ahead

After Helena concluded her presentation, the audience was eager to share their thoughts and ask questions. Many participants related EQ concepts to their personal experiences, creating an enriching dialogue. Questions ranged from applying EQ at work to understanding its role in family dynamics. Helena’s responses were insightful, offering practical tips and encouragement for everyone to practice EQ daily.

As the session wrapped up, Helena and Marina thanked everyone for their energy and participation. “This is just the beginning. Join us for the next session on January 24, where we’ll explore how to develop self-awareness—the first step to mastering EQ,” she announced.

The first session left attendees inspired, informed, and excited for more. The relatable examples, and interactive style made the complex topic of emotional intelligence approachable and relevant.

Stay tuned for more exciting sessions with Domus Orientalis—where learning is not just enriching but fun too!