Emotional Intelligence: Another Type of Fingerprint

The approach I have taken is a compare/contrast of the McGraw-Hill/Irwin Emotional Intelligence (EI) testing/assessment tool and what I have gathered through the Spirit what the Word assess to be EI. I will consider these two different EI assessments and consider the results from each. I will be the participant. The perspective I cultivate is to remember that EI is like a fingerprint. Each is at various levels, awareness, perceptive capacity, and other uniquely individual factors. I chose not to utilize another individual as I am uncomfortable lending to the idea of and do not see how comparisons and contrasts between individuals can be beneficial.

Everyone is an Abba designed Original. No two people are working with the exact same components. It is like comparing the Mona Lisa with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The only thing they have in common is that they are Original Masterpieces. The same is true for each of Abba’s Creations. This is part of the ‘universal human condition’ in that we are prone to compare and contrast ourselves with others or compare others with one another. This is unjust to God’s Magnificence and a glimpse into His Character. David came to this realization in Psalm 139:14 that each of us is unique, intricately designed and Abba deserves the Praise. Having an awareness that you are the only you and no one can do you better than you. That should give hope.

McGraw-Hill/Irwin: EI

The McGraw-Hill EI offers a link that provides a self-administered questionnaire designed to measure individual EI (McGraw-Hill/Irwin, n.d.). Upon finishing the Self-Assessment Tool, the results the site generated for me were interesting as I have never knowingly taken any type of EI assessment. The sum score of 77 suggested an overall average EI. However, as each category was summarized, each of the five stated that I had reached a level of mastery.

The category of Self-Awareness scored me 18 out of 20. The results stated that I have mastered this area. The assessment for self-management scored me 15 out of 20, also stating I had mastered this area. The score for self-motivation is 17 of 20 with the results repeating the mastery. Empathy scores 14 of 20 with a mastery result. Finally, in the area of social skills, the score 14 out of 20, stating I have also mastered the area. In reflection, I would disagree with the overly generous results. If I had reached my potential, or a level of mastery, there is no longer hope for growth. I refuse to accept that. Dating, learning, knowing, and rightly understanding myself in Christ has been a long road thus far, and the journey is life-long. We are all in a constant state of metamorphosis, so I do not know who I will become or what I will learn or experience. I would say that the scores on all are very generous and I have much more room for personal growth in all areas than suggested by this assessment.

Abba’s Measure

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV, 1982)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Considering the above Scripture as a measure for EI, I have greatly grown from the inside out. I do know that there is an unlimited potential for growth because we serve an unlimited God. The fruit of the Spirit would be what I would utilize to determine EI. As this scripture applies to myself, in comparison to when I first came to accept Christ personally, there is progressive development. The Word of God is what transforms through faith in Jesus and consistent interaction paired with action, and partnership with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Guide, Teacher and so much more. The Holy Spirit is a Divine Life Coach that lives inside.

There are various ways in which we can cultivate our EI. The options are as endless as the ideas we can create and are only limited by our inability to expand our thinking. One of the things that I have learned over time is that my issues may alter, skew, or even prevent me from seeing beyond the “what” I am presently dealing with. It is one of the reasons we need relationship. Each of us has inborn and unique creativity, talents, and abilities. Through community we can aid one another, sharpen as iron sharpens iron, as we are taught in Proverbs 27:17. This is increasingly possible when individuals seek to be intentional in walking with the Lord, as He is our Creator. We must also intentionally be active in cultivating the various areas of our own EI.

One way I have found beneficial is introducing myself to new situations. This provides plenty of opportunities to self-motivate, self-check, manage self, increase awareness of others around you, and be intentional when engaging to exercise empathy. It is key to note it is important that you do this in a new setting where you need to be more aware in general. I also drive home the need for renewing your mind daily with the Word. He alone has the power to transform.

Be blessed as you discover the you He Divinely Designed you to be.