NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCECOMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE

Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the Military CurriculumMilitary Curriculum

ByByMs Lily WiskerMs Lily Wisker

• Concept of EI

• EI and Leadership Performance

• EI and Military Leadership

• Myth of EI

• EI in Military Curriculum

• Conclusion

• Questions

Scope

Concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI)

• Theory of EI –by Harvard Psychologist, Howard Gardner, 1983

• Based on “Social Intelligence Concept” by Thordike, 1920

• Developed from neuro-psychology and neuro-science - focuses on connection and circuitry in the brain that regulates emotions

Definitions of EI

• Bar- On (1997) - An array of non-cognitive skills. A set of emotional and social capabilities that influences one’s general ability to effectively face her/his environment’s demand

• Goleman (1995; 1998) – Competencies that may develop through learning and is increased with age and linked with maturity

• Mayer, Caruso & Salovey (1997; 2000; 2002) – Ability to accurately, perceive and express emotions of oneself and the emotions of others

EI and Leadership Effectiveness

• Positive association with managerial performance (Cote & Miners, 2007; Dulewicz, Young & Dulewicz, 2005; Semadar et al., 2006)

• Better predictor of success than general intelligence, IQ (Goleman, 998; Pellitteri, 2002)

• Ability to exercise self-control ( Barling, et al., 2000)

• Encourage creative and innovative thinking (Isen, et al., 1987)

• Ability to inspire and motivate morale of subordinates (George, 2000)

EI and Military Leadership

• EI too “soft, civilian and wimpy image” – mistaken perception (Abrahams, 2007)

• “Leadership is about INFLUENCING” people (FM22-100, 1999, p. 4-6)

• Success on operations depend more on morale of people than on material advantages (NZDDP –D, 2004, p. 6-12)

• Conceptual link between EI and transformational leadership – military context (Livingstone, et al., 2002)

Myth of EI

• Elusive and vague concept (Davies, et al., 1998)

• More myth than science (Matthew, 2002)

• Concept and measures are not coherent– Bar –On, 1997– Goleman, 1995; 1998– Mayer, Caruso & Salovey, 1997; 2000; 2002

• Association of EI and leadership effectiveness not consistent

EI in Military Curriculum

• EI Constructs– Has roots in social intelligence– Interpersonal and intrapersonal domains– Not personality traits– Develop with age

• EI does not work in isolation– Feed both EI and Cognitive Skills into curriculum

• What level of leadership needs EI?

• Developing EI– Short seminars and workshops– Intensive coaching– Relevant feedback– Personal development

Conclusion

Emotional Intelligence and Military Curriculum

An idea whose time has come

However

Be Cautious

Question??

Know the Other and Know Yourself:

One Hundred Challenges without Danger;

Know Not the Other and Yet Know Yourself:

One Triumph for One Defeat;

Know Not the Other and Know Not Yourself:

Every Challenge is Certain a Peril;

Sun Tzu, Art of War