Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be understand, control, and express emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships prudently and empathetically.  There are five components of emotional intelligence:

•  Self awareness:  capacity to understand one’s emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Self regulation:  ability to control emotions.
• Motivation:  high productivity and effectiveness, but coupled with the ability to defer immediate gratification for a better end result.
• Empathy:  ability to understand wants, needs, and perceptions of others.
• Social skills:  ability to interact with others and build and maintain healthy relationships with others.

Sounds like good 4-H agents to me…and good 4-H members…and good volunteers…good HUMANS.

However, we aren’t born with this emotional intelligence, but rather it is developed over time.  That’s the good news-  EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CAN BE INCREASED AND IMPROVED!

Check out these 4-H lessons from the Ohio State University about Emotional Intelligence.  I believe you will find these good for 4-H members, volunteers, staff, and others!