First of all, Happy Valentine’s Day. Have you ever wondered about how people create those connections? In my business, I measure and improve social competence. So it is a very appropriate subject for Valentine’s Day.

Yes. It really is free. No strings attached. Just go to my website at www.brentdarnell.com, click on the download center, register and create a profile, and download away. The Mini EI is self scoring and will give you some clues as to behavior and performance and how people perceive you. The workbook will take you through an analysis and process to create development plans on the areas you want to develop.

But let’s back up a minute. What is EQ? It’s your emotional quotient or your level of social competence. It’s similar to your IQ, but it’s not how smart you are. It’s how well you identify, handle, process, and use your emotions for yourself and with your daily interactions with others. It’s like the iceberg above. Your IQ is the top part, but your EQ is the part below the surface, your inner workings, if you will. Another good analogy I have heard is that IQ is the bicycle tires, but your EQ is the handle bars.

EQ is important for your success in life and work. If you can truly know yourself and your inner workings, you are much more capable in an situation. You have better relationships, you can better motivate and persuade others. You have a greater sense of well being and what it takes to manage your life.

If you want to know more, there are also some great articles and videos in the download center. Check them out. And I am here if you need any further clarification. Keep in mind, when you score the mini EI test, the interpretations listed are how people may perceive you, not who you are. The question becomes, “Do I want them to perceive me that way?” And if you don’t you can work on specific emotional competencies that will shift behavior and create a different impression.

If you want more background on this work with EI, check out The People Profit Connection, How Emotional Intelligence Can Maximize People Skills and Maximize Your Profits. It was written specifically for the construction industry, but it is applicable for all technical fields. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979925800/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d6_g14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=04QVCJ3XM56QQ6G9MR9P&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

I wish you the very best in your journey to improve your EQ!