Understanding what emotions are and how they work is great, but this course is about increasing your personal emotional intelligence.   Before we go any further, take a moment to read the following short article: "Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Key Skills for Raising Emotional Intelligence "http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/emotional-intelligence-eq.htm, which describes the four main components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management) and offers some skills that can help you build your own emotional intelligence such as the following:

• The ability to quickly reduce stress in the moment in a variety of settings
• The ability to recognize your emotions and keep them from overwhelming you
• The ability to connect emotionally with others by using nonverbal communication
• The ability to use humor and play to stay connected in challenging situations
• The ability to resolve conflicts positively and with confidence

As you read the article, think about the skills you currently possess and how those skills have served you well.  Also think about the skills you may be lacking and the consequences of lacking those skills.

Prompt

In a 1,000 word minimum APA formatted reflection explain the four components of emotional intelligence as you use them in your life and relationships.  Provide examples of situations in which you exhibited the components well and also examples where you lacked in those components.  In addition, describe and provide an example from your own life as to how you can improve on each of the five skills to help build your emotional intelligence listed above.  Of these five skills, which ones do you feel are the most important? Why?  Are there skills you feel will serve you better in your relationships than others?

Your paper should include at least three APA formatted references and citations.