Have you ever noticed how some people can effortlessly talk to anyone they meet, no matter how divergent their backgrounds?
Or have you seen that one person who always offends someone, no matter the topic of conversation?
These two scenarios depict how we can differ in our abilities to interact, get along with, and relate to others around us. In the same way that we vary in traditional academic competencies, we can vary in how socially competent we are. After years of academic research and development, this social competency is now commonly referred to as ‘social intelligence.’
This article will summarize the origins of social intelligence before diving into how it can be measured and improved, its differences from emotional intelligence, and some recommendations for further resources.
Before you continue, you might like to download our three Emotional Intelligence Exercises for free. These science-based exercises will not only enhance your ability to understand and work with your emotions, but will also give you the tools to foster the emotional intelligence of your clients, students, children, or employees.