In Extension, we collaborate with and lead opportunities for people across the life course. From preschool-level Cloverbuds programs to workshops addressing food access with adult audiences, our programming is vast, and the relationships we cultivate are expansive. Enhancing our emotional intelligence is a developmental goal that exists beyond the talents and skills Extension professionals bring to their roles. It involves a growth mindset that values lifelong learning and the understanding that the needs within our communities in Illinois are ever-evolving, and we are prepared to address those needs in thoughtful, culturally responsive, and inclusive ways.
What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EI) is an individual’s ability to perceive and express emotion, assimilate emotion in thought, understand and reason with emotion, and regulate emotion in the self and others (Cherniss & Coleman, 2001, p.3). In other words, it is our ability to recognize and understand our own and others’ emotions, and to use this awareness to manage our behaviors and relationships. EI focuses on four learned emotional competencies: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship management. These skills can be developed over time and lead to outstanding performance at work.
- Self-awareness refers to our ability to sense, communicate, and reflect on our own emotional state.
- Social awareness is our ability to evaluate our environment and understand the emotions, needs, and perspectives of others.
- Self-management demonstrates our ability to handle and control our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Relationship management refers to our ability to effectively build relationships, communicate, and work with others.
What are the benefits and organizational outcomes of emotional intelligence?
The value of EI starts with the benefits to the individual as they deepen their self-awareness [about themselves and others around them]. When organizations like Extension advance EI, those benefits extend to larger outcomes, and we may experience (Craemer, 2020):
- Stronger leadership
- Improved communication
- Better job performance
- Higher engagement and well-being
- Clearer decision-making
As a result of those investments, the organization may experience:
- Higher productivity
- More cohesive teams
- Stronger talent pipelines
- Lower turnover
- Better strategic outcomes
What are some strategies to build emotional intelligence?
Since EI is not an innate ability but one that is developed and enriched over time, there are ongoing approaches we can use to increase EI in ourselves.
- Practice daily self-reflection
- Use active listening in meetings
- Pause before reacting under stress
- Ask clarifying questions – seek to understand
What are some key approaches for applying emotional intelligence in our work?
In a recent EI presentation, Dr. Durriyyah Kemp (2026) offered several tangible methods for applying EI in your work to see positive outcomes.
- Build trust through self-awareness
- Adapt programs to meet community emotions and needs
- Use empathy to deepen community relationships
- Practice social awareness in diverse audiences
- Use EI to promote belonging
- Strengthen relationship management with partners
- Model emotional regulation during difficult situations
- Use EI to enhance facilitation skills
- Leverage EI for effective needs assessment
- Build community capacity through coaching
When we embody these strategies and similar approaches to our work, we help to create longstanding, positive impacts through our community-based engaged work.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Dr. Maya Angelou
Image
Unsplash | Markus Winkler
Resource
Kemp, D. (2026, January 27). Emotional intelligence in the workplace [video]. Illinois Media Space.
References
- Cherniss, C., & Goleman, D. (2001). The emotionally intelligent workplace: How to select for, measure, and improve emotional intelligence in individuals, groups, and organizations. Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Imprint.
- Craemer, M. (2020). Emotional intelligence in the workplace: How to use EQ to build strong relationships and thrive in your career. Callisto Media.