A. What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence (EI) or Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to emotions in ourselves and others. EI is the capacity to recognize emotions in others based on facial expressions and body language, respond appropriately to that emotion, and at the same time being aware of our own reaction to the situation. (Cherry, 2013) Emotional intelligence is also about staying in control of your own emotions and managing emotions in others. (Fletcher, 2012)

B. Why is Emotional Intelligence Important in the Workplace?
Many leaders in business rank EI as one the most important characteristics of an effective leader. EI is seen as a distinguishing factor that separates the great from the good. Having good EI also helps leaders day to day in five different ways. (Fletcher, 2012)
1. Self-Awareness
Leaders with high EI are able to acknowledge their own emotions in situations and objectively asses if their emotions are helping them or hurting them at work. Is their enthusiasm and happiness helping lead a team? Or is their own stress and anxiety causing extra worry in their direct reports? If one is getting angry at work, EI helps one take a step back and assess what they are reacting to that is making them angry.
2. Emotional Management
Once leaders are self-aware they can better regulate their own emotions and stay in control at work. These individuals are less likely to make a hasty decision based on emotions and protect the company’s best interests. Leaders who are in control of their emotions are also better role models for team members and have more credibility.
3. Effective Communication
Being in control of one’s own emotions and reading the emotions of others helps leaders with high EI to effectively communicate. Leaders with strong EI communicate clearly to convey