Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part Two: Chapter 3, When Smart Is Dumb Summary

Part Two: Chapter 3, When Smart Is Dumb Summary and Analysis

Though hailed as predictors of success, a high IQ and academic achievement are no guarantees of success or happiness in life. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a meta-ability, a set of skills that provide a key advantage in reaching one's goals and handling adversities. Psychologist Howard Gardner, at the Harvard School of Education, calls for educators to help children identify and cultivate their natural competencies and gifts rather than train children in academic skills alone.

In Project Spectrum, children take the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test and a spectrum test that measures a variety of intelligences such as verbal, mathematical-logical, music, visual arts, movement, mechanics and interpersonal skills. Psychologists have traditionally separated emotions from intelligence. Psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer define emotional intelligence into five categories: knowing one's emotions, managing emotions, motivating oneself, recognizing emotions in others and handling relationships. They assert that these categories can be improved with practice and training.