Emotional Intelligence: Lessons Learned During a Pandemic

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the level to which an individual is aware of, understands, and manages their emotional state. It also includes the level to which an individual is able to appreciate the emotional status of others. In 1995, Daniel Goleman's book, Emotional Intelligence, popularized the many theories and studies about EI. Since then, EI has transformed into a learned, applicable concept that can improve personal relationships and patients' experiences and lead to an increase in profitability for the aesthetic practitioner. The purpose of this article is to help the reader understand what EI is and how it can be applied in our everyday lives both personally and professionally. I also describe what I have learned about EI during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. I highlight the four components of EI that are the most crucial. These are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.