Type “emotional intelligence” into Yahoo and 118,000 hits come up. Amazon-dot-com lists 88 self-improvement and business strategy books, two videos, and a magazine. Even an herbal treatment is advertised on the web that can come to your emotional intelligence rescue.

Emotional intelligence may sound like feel-good 21st Century psychobabble, but the concept -- a real buzzword today in the corporate world -- actually goes back some 80 years when it was described by a scientist as “the ability to understand and manage men and women, boys and girls -- to act wisely in human relations”.

And that’s what emotional intelligence is really about, according to Lyndall Thorpe, an accredited facilitator delivering workshops in Emotional Intelligence in Rockhampton June 10 from 9.30am to 1230pm.

“Simply put, it’s your ability to sense someone else’s emotions to more effectively manage yourself and influence positive outcomes in your business and personal relationships with others,” she explained.

The EQ, a person’s emotional intelligence rating, is even considered more important than the IQ, according to some business consultants.

“We often react impulsively to people and situations at work in a useless way when what we should be doing is being aware, sensitive, and open to other options,” explained Ms Thorpe.

The $50 half-day workshop will take participants through a series of awareness exercises designed to help them make better choices. The idea is that when people are more self-aware they can be more understanding and sensitive, for instance, to the needs of customers, colleagues and business partners. With empathy and self-management, people with high emotional intelligence can positively influence others.

EQ is supposed to help improve relationships in business and social setting. It helps people communicate more effectively and positively influence others. It gives people the tools to deal with conflict, change and growth. It enhances teamwork, and boosts loyalty and retention in the workplace.

Unlike an IQ, EQ can be continually enhanced to increase self-awareness, develop self-management strategies, and connect with others.

“Just don’t expect overnight solutions,” explained Ms Thorpe.

“It takes far more than being “nice” to people. You have to alter the way you think and act and feel. And that takes a long-term commitment.

The program is administered by Direct Edge, a business unit of Central Queensland University and a leading provider of learning packages and services designed to unlock people’s potential.

More information contact Lyndall Thorpe at DirectEdge at 07 4923 2543 or l.Thorpe@cqu.edu.au.