Sample Answer

B. Improving Intrapersonal Areas: Self-Awareness and Self-Management (Applying Daniel Goleman’s Model)

Daniel Goleman’s model of Emotional Intelligence (EI) posits that EI comprises five key components: self-awareness, self-regulation (or self-management), motivation, empathy (or social awareness), and social skills (or relationship management). To improve intrapersonal areas, specifically self-awareness and self-management, one can leverage Goleman’s insights through practical strategies.

Assuming hypothetical GEIT results that indicate areas of opportunity in:

• Self-Awareness: Difficulty accurately recognizing one’s own emotions as they happen, understanding their impact, or identifying one’s strengths and limitations.
• Self-Management: Struggling with impulse control, managing disruptive emotions, or adapting to changing circumstances.

Here are two ways to improve these areas:

1. For Self-Awareness: Practice Mindfulness and Emotional Labeling. Goleman emphasizes that “self-awareness…means having a deep understanding of one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, needs, and drives” (Goleman, 1995, p. 43). To improve this, one can regularly engage in mindfulness practices. This involves consciously observing one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. For example, setting aside 5-10 minutes daily for focused breathing exercises, noting the emotions that arise during challenging situations, and pausing to identify their specific labels (e.g., “I’m feeling frustrated,” “This is anxiety,” rather than just “I feel bad”). This deliberate practice helps to develop a richer vocabulary for internal states and improves the ability to recognize emotions in real-time before they escalate. Keeping a brief emotional journal can further solidify this practice, noting triggers and initial reactions.