EI: A Means or an End?

            In their explanation of temperance as a virtue, Kolp and Rea (2009) assert that “The concept of emotional intelligence (EI), the ability to work with people effectively, is a means, not an end” (p. 198). While energized at the connection they made between temperance and emotional intelligence, my mind protested their restriction of EI with this question: Is it only a means and not also an end?

The bone I am picking derives from the same literature they cited, Primal Leadership (my chosen book on leadership). From what I’ve read so far, Goleman Boyatzis, and McKee (2002) affirm that EI incorporates significant physiological processes including highly complex neurological maneuvers. Goleman et al. (2002) explain that “The neural systems responsible for the intellect and for the emotions are separate, but they have intimately interwoven connections” (p. 27). Furthermore, EI can be cultivated over time through thoughtful, intentional practice guided by four domains of practice: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management (Goleman et al., 2002). This suggests that the capacity for EI—physiologically and psychologically—is a potential outcome for everyone.

But Kolp and Rea (2009) clarify their assertion that EI is a means rather than an end by stating that “To be a virtue it must point to the good” (p. 198). This is an important clarification and raises another question: Is the opposite of EI emotional dissonance? It seems to me that both describe a condition one develops. Certainly they are crucial factors determining how or if one expresses either temperance or prudence. As I see it, the development of EI goes beyond its prerequisite role for developing temperance and prudence. But as a stand-alone component of leadership, does EI point to the good?

Comments

[Heidi Marmen]

Joseph S. Nye Jr. in The Power to Lead (2008) defines emotional intelligence as "self-mastery, discipline, and empathetic capacity ... [having] two major components: mastery of the self and outreach to others." And so yes, I believe it does point to the good. And if it is innate, that means it can also be unlearned if not nurtured. I believe we are born as good, but unfortunately some heed the louder call of evil. Our neural paths are created by repetition. Repeated negative, abusive messages become strong and dominate. And sometimes the wrong switch is flipped (my fellow Dexter fan!)

[Tiffany Rosario]

Interesting comments, Chris. I have always thought of emotional intelligence as something one does or does not have, almost an innate quality. I find it encouraging and agree that it is a quality that can be developed over time. I believe that all of the virtues we have been studying are woven into EI. Courage, faith, justice, prudence and temperance. Would not a leader who is truly emotionally intelligent, would exhibit all of these virtues to some significant degree? Deshpande(2009)talks about this in an article published in the "Journal of Business Ethics". This article suggests that those with EI skills such as empathy and self-management are more likely to make ethical decisions. So, making sound decisions may not be "all business" but rather a balance between the practical, logical and the emotional.