From artificial intelligence to emotional intelligence: rediscovering what makes us human

INTRODUCTION
 

“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head—it is the unique intersection of both.” – David Caruso.

We live in an era defined by Artificial Intelligence. From the devices we use to the services we depend on, AI is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and interact. But amidst this wave of innovation, perhaps it is time to take a pause—not from progress, but from automation and machines—and refocus on something just as important: Emotional Intelligence. 

While AI continues to offer remarkable perks in a fast-paced world, it lacks the very essence of what makes us human. Emotional Intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—is no longer a soft skill reserved for select professions. It is rapidly becoming a critical asset for anyone navigating today’s complex, connected world. In environments where technical expertise and high IQ have long been the gold standard, Emotional Intelligence and EQ—Emotional Quotient are quietly proving to be the unsung heroes. 

In this blog, I aim to explore the concept of Emotional Intelligence and break it down in simpler yet nuanced terms for us to adopt in our daily lives. 

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?
Before we dive down deep, I want to take you to one of my favourite quotes from the book Man’s search for meaning written by none other than Viktor E. Frankl: 

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom”. 

This is essentially what is EI all about. The power to choose our response. And within that power lies our growth and freedom—both professionally and personally. 
Let us understand it in simpler terms. Imagine walking into a room where tensions are high, voices are raised, and emotions are running wild. Would you react impulsively, or would you pause, assess the situation, and respond thoughtfully? This ability to manage emotions effectively is at the heart of Emotional Intelligence.
In terms of your professional life, Emotional Intelligence is like your secret superpower at work. It is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions—and also understand and respond to other people’s feelings. It helps you stay calm under pressure, communicate better, handle tough feedback, and work well with all kinds of people. Unlike your IQ (which stays pretty much the same), your EQ can grow over time with practice and self-awareness. 

Imagine you're leading a team project, and during a meeting, one of your teammates, Alex, snaps at you over a small mistake. Instead of snapping back or getting defensive, you pause and think, “Alex usually does not act like this—maybe something else is going on”. Later, you check in privately and find out Alex is stressed about a tight deadline. Because you stayed cool and showed empathy, you not only avoided a bigger conflict—you also built trust with your team. That is Emotional Intelligence in action.

In today’s fast-paced world, emotional intelligence is more critical than ever—helping individuals build stronger relationships, lead with empathy, and navigate challenges both in personal and professional life.

FIVE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF EI

Let us break it down further. 
EI consists of five core components, as identified by psychologist Daniel Goleman:

Self-Awareness: Imagine a leader who acknowledges that they tend to get frustrated under pressure. Instead of lashing out at their team, they take a deep breath, step back, and respond calmly—creating a more positive work environment.
Self-Regulation: A leader who remains composed during a crisis inspires confidence and trust in their team.
Motivation: An entrepreneur faces setbacks but remains resilient, learning from failures and staying focused on long-term success.
Empathy: A manager notices a team member struggling and takes the time to check in, offer support, and provide flexible solutions to help them cope.
Social Skills: A salesperson who builds rapport with clients and addresses their needs is likely to close more deals.

WHY EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MATTERS?

In today’s fast-paced world, being smart is not just about IQ. EQ plays a huge role in how we lead, connect, and thrive—both at work and in life. Here is why it is so important:

Success in the Workplace: Studies show that employees with high EQ tend to excel in leadership, collaboration, and decision-making. Why? Because they understand how to motivate others, manage conflict, and stay calm under pressure. Imagine you're a team lead during a high-stakes project. One team member misses a deadline. Instead of losing your cool, you calmly ask what happened, listen to their concerns, and help them get back on track. That emotional awareness earns you respect—and keeps the project moving. Companies today don’t just hire for skills. They hire for people who can lead with empathy, communicate clearly, and work well under stress. That's emotional intelligence in action.

Better Relationships: Whether it’s your boss, a coworker, or your partner, high EQ helps you build stronger, more meaningful connections. You’re better at expressing yourself, understanding others, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. A colleague seems distant lately. Instead of taking it personally, you check in gently and ask if everything’s okay. They open up about a personal issue—and thank you for noticing. A small moment of empathy just strengthened your relationship.

Stress Management: Life gets overwhelming. People with high emotional intelligence can stay calm, think clearly, and bounce back faster during tough times.You receive critical feedback right before an important presentation. Instead of spiraling, you take a few deep breaths, remind yourself it's not personal, and use the feedback to improve. That’s emotional regulation at work.

Personal Growth: Emotional intelligence boosts self-awareness, resilience, and mental well-being. It helps you understand your triggers, break bad patterns, and grow into your best self. You notice you get defensive when receiving feedback. Instead of ignoring it, you reflect on why—and start responding with curiosity instead of resistance. Over time, you become more confident and open-minded.

HOW TO DEVELOP EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
EQ is not fixed—it is a skill you can build with small, intentional habits. Here is how to get started:

• Practice Self-Reflection: Take 5 minutes each night to journal how you felt during the day—and why. What triggered those emotions? How did you respond?
  Seek Honest Feedback: Ask trusted friends or coworkers: "How do I usually react under stress?" or "Do I come across as a good listener?" Be open to what they say.
  Practice Active Listening: Next time someone shares something, resist the urge to interrupt or solve their problem. Just listen, and show you understand.
  Manage Stress Proactively: Try mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, short walks, or meditation to stay grounded when things get intense.
  Enhance Your Empathy: When someone reacts differently than you would, pause and ask: “What might they be feeling right now?” Try seeing the world through their eyes.

CONCLUSION: YOUR EQ JOURNEY STARTS NOW
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it is a game-changer. It helps you lead better, connect deeper, and grow faster. And the best part? Anyone can develop it. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how it transforms your work, relationships, and mindset.

Emotional Intelligence is not just a soft skill—it is a superpower that influences every aspect of life. Whether in personal relationships or the workplace, those who master EI tend to lead with compassion, resilience, and success. The good news? It is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. By understanding and nurturing your EQ, you unlock a powerful inner resource that empowers you to navigate the complexities of human interaction with greater ease and effectiveness.
So, take the first step today. Reflect on your own emotional landscape, identify areas for growth, and embark on the rewarding journey of cultivating your Emotional Intelligence. It is not only the AI which we need, today. It is also the EI, the ultimate superpower, that we need to thrive in the 21^st century.
It is not just about being in tune with your emotions; it is about using that awareness to build deeper relationships, make thoughtful decisions, and lead with empathy and purpose. As we race ahead with AI, let us not forget to nurture EI. Because in the end, it is not just what we know or what machines can do—it is how we connect, feel, and lead that truly defines progress.