EI vs. AI

Our reality today has been propelled into a realm of possibilities, solutions and innovations we could never have imagined if it weren’t for artificial intelligence. AI helps us immensely improve our productivity and quality of work. While the emergence and innovations accompanied with AI opens many doors leading us forward, it is necessary to emphasize the integral importance and potential of our EI, emotional intelligence, as well. The mutual emphasis for both intelligences working together, I believe, results in a win-win for organizations and individuals alike.

Emotional intelligence can, indeed, go a long way in determining one’s success. We all can say that, from our own experiences, which are mixed compositions of failure, humiliation, disappointment, fear, anxiety as well as opportunity, success, growth, and moments of motivation and encouragement. At some point, realization sets in that there is no perfect formula or set path for one’s success or happiness. At this point of realization, emotional intelligence becomes a fundamental component and utility which helps us to recognize our unique strengths and abilities and to harness them into productive work that is mutually beneficial for both the individual’s success in their career and in quality of life.

Although emotional intelligence plays a key role in an individual’s success or failure, there is no standard to measure it. What one may consider success, another may consider failure or unimportant. The contrived “standard for success” can exert indirect pressure or influence on individuals who, consequently, tend to follow a societal driven path to attain it only to find themselves unfulfilled once they do. It is important to have role models to look at for inspiration and guidance. The problem starts when we lose who we are as individuals from following too closely in someone else’s footsteps and we lose identity in this process. Not all of us are meant to be doctors, scientists, lawyers or CEOs. However, each of these occupations cannot be successful without the help of others.

Emotional intelligence starts with our intuition or inner-truths, which emerges when we become focused on our subconscious and accept our vulnerability along with our strengths. Our subconscious transmits stored information and intuitive responses when faced with a new challenge or situation. A deeper introspection can help lead us to find new solutions, processes and ideas that will not only lead the individual to success but benefit the world around them as well.

A  closer observation may reveal that most leaders, inventors, innovators and revolutionary thinkers are the individuals who didn’t look outward at others for guidance but looked deep within. This phenomenon is well represented in management through the Johari’s Window, which splits the human mind into four quadrants, one of which is unknown to self and unknown to others. Human potential is a very powerful tool if explored, understood, and channelized. It can be the most potent weapon if comprehended by the individual. Men and women who have the requisite emotional intelligence become our leaders who we look to for guidance.

Within an organizational framework, individuals may operate independently, however, as a team they become interdependent individuals. This is precisely where the need of emotional intelligence in organizations becomes essential. It helps boost one’s self-awareness, selfcontrol, motivation, empathy, and social skills, all of which help one become better leaders. While artificial intelligence continues to innovate and push our world to greater heights and new solutions, it will never replace the importance and value of its counterpart: emotional intelligence. After all, we would not have AI if it weren’t for EI!

Sincerely,

The Third Eye (aka: Sakthi Venkatraman)