Emotional intelligence or EQ is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. Emotional intelligence helps you build stronger relationships, succeed at school and work, and achieve your career and personal goals. It can also help you to connect with your feelings, turn intention into action, and make informed decisions about what matters most to you.

EQ, continues to be an increasingly popular skill to have in the professional world. Major companies have compiled statistical proof that employees with emotional intelligence undoubtedly affect the bottom line. In fact, companies with employees that have high levels of emotional intelligence see major increases in total sales and productivity.

Additionally, research suggests that people with a high EQ are more innovative and have higher job satisfaction than those with lower EQs.

“Emotional intelligence is critical in building and maintaining relationships and influencing others—key skills that help people throughout their career and wherever they sit in an organizational structure.” Margaret Andrews