Dr. Michelle Edmonds, RN, MSN, DNP
Dean of Nursing, Allied Health, and Natural Science
Southside Virginia Community College
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Define Emotional Intelligence
Define the four domains of Emotional
Intelligence
Discuss the concept of amygdala hijacking
Discuss ways to increase Emotional
Intelligence
Have fun and learn some things 
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The ability to identify, assess, manage the
emotions of one's self, of others, and of
groups
Emotional Intelligence is the convergence of
three things: IQ, EQ, and Personality
Emotional Intelligence is the single best
predictor of leadership success, personal
success, and performance
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Performance at Work
Physical Health
Mental Health
Relationships
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Understanding that you are reacting
Understanding why you are reacting
Tools
◦ Deal with Stress
◦ Understand Stress Responses
◦ Discover Stress-Busting Techniques
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Anxious
Tearful
Can’t concentrate
Heart racing
Anger
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Being able to control emotions
Being able to realize that your amygdala is
hijacked and control your reaction
If don’t understand your emotions, they will
resurface
Shark Attack!!!!
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Recognizing symptoms
Controlling physiologic symptoms – deep
breathing, meditating, sleep, count, etc.
Don’t be a victim – they have no ability to
manage
Realize when you are stressed
Identify your stress response (agitation,
freezing, etc.)
Discover good stress busting techniques
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Use humor and play to deal with challenges
These are natural things
Take hardships in stride
Simultaneously relax and energize yourself
Become more creative
Find enjoyable activities
Schedule play time
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Understand what is happening with those
around you – are they happy, sad, anxious,
etc.
Nonverbal communication
Has the person had his/her amygdala
hijacked
What makes you cue in to another’s emotions
In order to be aware of others, you must have
managed your own emotions
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Watch and Focus on the Other Person
Make Eye Contact
Listen
Ask
Step in Other’s Shoes
Seek Whole Picture
Catch the Mood in Room
Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Cues
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Use your understanding of your emotions and
those around you to create a successful
interaction
See benefit of connecting positively with
others
Listen and be interested in others
Improves ability to hear and be heard
Create safe environment
Smooth over differences
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Only get mad on purpose
Acknowledge feelings of others
Be transparent
Build trust/be trustworthy
Be curious
Ask people to help you understand their side
Resist comebacks/rebuttal
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Stay focused in the present
Don’t hold grudges
View the situation as a way to resolve old
conflicts and feelings
Choose your arguments
End conflicts that can’t be resolved
Agree to disagree…It is ok
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What problems do people encounter with
communication at work or with students?
Frustration/Irritation
Worry/Nervousness
Anger/Aggravation
Dislike
Disappointment/Unhappiness
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Why do people triangulate?
Relieve Anxiety
Feel Helpless in a Relationship
What would be problem with triangulating?
Emotionally Exhausting
Not Constructive
How can you prevent triangulation?
Express Neutrality and Objectivity