Continued from page 28
book “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ”
(1995). Goleman coalesced various scientific findings, including research
in the field of affective neuroscience that explores how emotions are
regulated in the brain.
Educational institutions, companies, groups, and individuals
throughout the world utilize EI testing and training, to great effect.
For example, Goleman’s book highlighted school programs aimed at
increasing social or emotional learning, finding the programs improved
children’s self-awareness and confidence, helped them to manage
disruptive emotions and impulses, and increased empathy. He found
that these programs lead to better behavior and academic performance.
The work of psychology professor Roger Weissberg, through his
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL),
provides more evidence of the benefits of EI and EID programming.
A CASEL 2011 meta-data analysis of 213 studies of school-based,
universal social and emotional learning (SEL) programs, found student
gains in social-emotional skills, classroom behavior, improved attitudes
about self, others and school, and an 11 percentile point gain on
standardized tests. In addition, conduct problems and emotional
distress decreased.
These benefits are amplified in the workplace, particularly when
diversity is added to the mix. Tom Kelley, partner at industrial design
firm IDEO, co-authored The Art of Innovation: Lessons in Creativity from
IDEO, America’s Leading Design Firm (2001) with Jonathan Littman,
based on IDEO’s experiences with teams. They found that diverse
teams innovate more quickly with more creativity in shorter time
frames. IDEO deliberately composed teams with diversity based upon
gender, age, race, culture, experience, work experience, educational
level and background. The firm and its clients benefitted.
With the implementation of social and emotional learning programs
in schools, emotional intelligence and diversity training and
development starts at an earlier age and leads to a workforce and to
organizations receptive to a diverse and creative team, and a more
cohesive and diverse society.
Many people recognize that EI and EID better predict success in
life. Intelligence and education contribute to initial success, but long-
term success requires building relationships, collaborating with others,
and resolving issues within a team. When development of EID takes
place at home and in school, organizations and
communities benefit from people who embrace
diversity and utilize it as the great asset it is: an
opportunity to not only develop new relationships
but to maximize talent and business success. It is
never too late to build these important skills for
success. n
Author: Michelle Garcia Gilbert – Gilbert Garcia
Group, P.A.
MAR - APR 2020
|
HCBA LAWYER
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