The EQ Competency Framework

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to perceive emotions in ourselves and others. It is the ability to use appropriate emotions to create the best outcomes and to understand how emotional reactions create different outcomes. Having higher EQ helps one accept challenges and adapt to new situations quickly. Upon learning and practicing Emotional Intelligence, you will more easily recover from setbacks and handle situations with a clearer mind and awareness of its causes and potential consequences. You will also have the tools to think resourcefully and adapt to adversities that come with significant stressors faced in the course of the day.

The EQ Competency Framework has 9 EQ behaviours that are observable and measurable. We created this profile based on at least 15 years of performance standards and measurements so that each one who eventually takes this profile can influence change through clearly defined behaviours and corresponding actions.

The model consists of 3 zones.

1) The ‘Core’ Zone represents ‘Purpose’. We begin with Purpose because it forms the bedrock of why we are in this life for. When our direction is clear, our “Why” in life bears a deeper meaning and it gives us a drive that is engineered from within. This is where Passion and Purpose reside.

2) The ‘Self’ Zone represents EQ with Self. The 4 competencies represented are ‘consciousness’, ‘emotional management’, ‘optimism’ and ‘self-efficacy’. When your purpose is clear, it’s important to address the relationship we have with ourselves. In other words, the quality of our thoughts and feelings, how effective we are as a result of how we speak to ourselves and our ability to handle our emotional state and effectiveness at handling tasks.

3) The ‘Other’ Zone represents relationship with Others. The 4 competencies represented are ‘empathy’, ‘trust’, ‘influence’ and ‘connection’. When we are clear about our direction (Purpose), demonstrate emotionally healthy habits and have resourceful thoughts, our relationships with others are harnessed. We are then able to influence and build healthy relationships with others which forge long term growth and mutual respect.

Interpreting the Competencies

Purpose
When you have a clear sense of purpose and meaning, you will be able to find different ways to achieve your goals as well as see short and long term opportunities to achieve your goals. When you set these goals, you focus on what is important to you, how it contributes to your long term purpose and make them easy to understand. Thus you are able to be inclusive and make others the focus your long terms plans. This competency is about making a difference and a strong score indicates your willingness to stay the course in spite of challenges that come in the way of your pursuits.

Consciousness
Being aware of your emotions and behaviours will help you to understand your experiences with reason and compare present experiences with other similar ones from the past with greater insight. By reflecting on past experiences, you will also be able to improve on your decision making. As you can see the consequences of your actions in detail, you become more alert to changes in your mood. Thus you understand how your actions affect others and it helps you choose appropriate behaviours in different situations.

Emotional Management
If you are strong in this competency, you are able to stay calm and act responsibly when faced with challenging situations. This ability helps you to withhold any judgment, to clarify in a frank and honest manner, and keep thoughts positive as you wait for better outcomes. By managing your own emotions and having appropriate self-restraint, you are able to prevent outbursts.

Optimism
An optimistic person is able to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook, they see new possibilities even in challenging situations, consider opportunities to act upon and look for solutions patiently. They develop solutions that are feasible, talk about solutions with measured confidence and accept changes so as to progress.

Self-Efficacy
This competency is demonstrated through the ability to stay the course and take action to achieve results, to do more without being asked, to reject requests that you are unable to fulfil, to try out new ideas and to answer queries courageously. You manage work with sustained focus, are detailed and can complete work with quality and timeliness.

Trust
There are 2 parts to trust here. The first is that you trust others and the other is that you are trustworthy to others. These include behaviors like giving time for others to express their opinions patiently, listening without prior judgement, keeping your commitments consistently and fulfilling obligations by putting in extra effort. People with higher ratings on trust admit their own mistakes readily without reservation, understand other people’s poor judgement or mistakes with openness and follow-up on agreements so that things go as planned.

Influence
Being able to influence means that you can affect others through a mutually respectful partnership, accept other peoples’ beliefs to gain mutual respect and encourage others to see your point of view patiently. When you are able to offer ideas that are accepted by others, can handle challenges to gain agreements, are willing to guide others when they are in doubt and persuade them into action with facts and benefits, you will be able to integrate other people’s views into your plans and follow through more effectively.

Connection
This competency requires having the ability to establish rapport easily, start conversations with ease and listen to other people’s intentions carefully. This will help you narrow the distance between you and another person and relate to them as a friend rather than an outsider. It requires learning to resolve differences with others firmly as you handle disagreements with tact and logic. You will also be able to accept feedback willingly and give feedback to others with care.

Empathy
People who are empathic take the effort to understand the circumstances influencing people’s decisions and learn to link other people’s feelings to their circumstances appropriately. A higher rating on this competency reflects a choice to readily give personal attention to those who need it, the willingness to adjust your advice so that others can accept it easily and provide appropriate support on time while you encourage others to resolve their challenges independently.