Which of the following best defines emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is best defined as the ability to manage oneself and relationships effectively. This concept encompasses several key components, including self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. Those with high emotional intelligence can recognize their own emotions and those of others, allowing them to navigate social complexities, resolve conflicts, and foster collaborative environments.

The emphasis on managing oneself highlights the importance of understanding personal emotions and how they impact behavior, while the aspect of managing relationships focuses on building and maintaining interpersonal connections. Such skills are crucial in both personal and professional settings, as they contribute significantly to effective communication, leadership, and teamwork.

In contrast, abilities such as solving technical problems, meeting deadlines, or leading a large team are more specialized skills that do not necessarily involve the interpersonal awareness and emotional regulation that defines emotional intelligence. While these skills can be important in various contexts, they do not encompass the holistic approach to understanding and managing emotions that emotional intelligence represents.