Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

What is emotional intelligence (EQ)?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It is an important skill for ministry leaders, as it can help them to build strong relationships, manage conflict, and lead effectively.

Why is emotional intelligence so important in ministry?

Here are some of the benefits of emotional intelligence for ministry leaders:

  • Improved relationships: Emotional intelligence can help you to build stronger relationships with your team members, volunteers, and congregation. You will be better able to understand their needs and concerns, and you will be able to communicate more effectively with them.
  • Reduced conflict: Emotional intelligence can help you to manage conflict more effectively. You will be better able to understand the root of the conflict, and you will be able to find solutions that work for everyone involved.
  • Improved leadership: Emotional intelligence can help you to lead more effectively. You will be better able to motivate and inspire your team, and you will be able to make better decisions.

Emotional Intelligence Resources

  • Books
    • Bradberry, Travis & Greaves, Jean. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 [link]
    • Goleman, Daniel & Dalai Lama. Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama (Audiobook) [link]
    • Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ (Audiobook) [link]
    • Goleman, Daniel. The Emotionally Intelligent Leader. [link]
    • Goleman, Daniel, et al. Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence. [link]
    • Goleman, Daniel. Working with Emotional Intelligence (Audiobook) [link]
    • Oswald, Roy M. & Jacobson, Arland. The Emotional Intelligence of Jesus: Relational Smarts for Religious Leaders. [link]
    • Scazzero, Peter. The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World. [link]
    • Scazzero, Peter & Scazzero, G. Emotionally Healthy Spiritually Expanded Edition Workbook plus Streaming Video: Discipleship that Deeply Changes Your Relationship with God.[link]
    • Stein, S. J., & Book, H. E. The EQ Edge: Emotional intelligence and your success. [link]
  • Videos & Podcasts
    • 15 Most Valuable Emotional Intelligence TED Talks [link]
    • 5 TED Talks to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence [link]
    • Brown, Brene. The Power of Vulnerability, TEDTalk. [link]
    • Goleman, Daniel. Why aren't we more compassionate? TEDTalk [link]
    • The Impact of Intergenerational Trauma on the Mental Health and Well-being of Black Youth [link]
    • Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis On Interpersonal Trauma And The Bible [link]
    • The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis - Episode #126: Setting Boundaries [link]