The EQ-i 2.0® Model of Emotional Intelligence

To understand complex traits like emotional intelligence or personality, we create theoretical models. These models are useful not only in measuring abstract traits, but also in simply giving us words that help us understand ourselves and others better. Emotional intelligence is a key factor in our life experience, but to even begin talking about it, we need the right language. The EQ-i 2.o® provides that language, beginning with a definition of emotional intelligence itself:

Emotional Intelligence is a set of emotional and social skills that collectively establish how well we perceive and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges, and use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way.

— from Multi-Health Systems, Inc., publisher of the EQ-i 2.0®

The EQi-2.0 model of emotional intelligence is made up of fifteen sub-scales grouped into five composite scales. The composite scales can be thought of as groups of individual emotional intelligence competencies that work together to form a broader skill-set: The EQ-i 2.0 Model - Five Composite Scales

1. The Self-Perception composite relates to our ability to accurately perceive and understand our own emotions. Its subscales are self-regard, self-actualization, and emotional self-awareness.
2. The Self-Expression composite is an indicator of our ability to express and manage our own emotions effectively. Its subscales are emotional expression, assertiveness, and independence.
3. The Interpersonal composite looks at our ability to understand and interact effectively with others. Its subscales are interpersonal relationships, empathy, and social responsibility.
4. The Decision Making composite tells us how well we are able to make effective decisions by considering emotions and logic. Its subscales such as problem solving, reality testing, and impulse control.
5. The Stress Management composite involves our ability to manage and cope with stress effectively. Its subscales such as flexibility, stress-tolerance, and optimism.

It's all about balance... Each sub-scale of the EQ-i 2.0 is important for different reasons, but equally important — and a big part of what makes this tool so useful — is balance between the different sub-scales. For example, assertiveness is an asset when it is part of well-balanced emotional intelligence, but if high assertiveness is paired with low empathy, you have the blueprint for a steamroller, someone who has a tendency to run over others in pursuit of their goals with little awareness of the damage left in their wake. EQ is not a fixed trait... Most importantly, however, is the fact that, unlike IQ, emotional intelligence is a set of skills that can be developed with practice. Some may come more naturally than others, but with awareness and effort, we can develop our weaker areas, and in doing so gain even more from our strengths. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more on emotional intelligence. In this series, we will be doing a deep dive into each EQ-i 2.0 sub-scale, explaining how it plays into overall EI, and looking at actionable opportunities for developing it further. In the meantime, you can subscribe to our newsletter via email to make sure you don't miss future articles like this one, and you can click here if you are interested in taking the EQ-i 2.0 assessment.