Interpersonal Intelligence

An interview with Daniel Goleman, Psychologist. See how you can use emotional and social intelligence to improve your own and your organization’s performance.

Duration : 0:10:16

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Interpersonal intelligence manifests itself in the moment of interaction between one or more individuals.  In the magical instant when we come in proximity with other human beings, we follow certain automatic behavioral patterns. It happens unconsciously most of the time, and since we live very busy lives, stopping and analyzing the quality of the social interaction is not something that we usually do.  However, it is evident that in our daily life we act with a very predictable pattern of behaviors, not all of which are effective.

Howard Gardner first popularized the term interpersonal intelligence, in 1983 with his book titled, “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”, as a way to more accurately define the concept of intelligence. The categories of intelligences are: Bodily-kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Verbal-linguistic, Logical-mathematical, Naturalistic, Intrapersonal, Visual-spatial, Musical.

Interpersonal intelligence governs the way we interact with others. The essence of this particular intelligence is the ability to communicate effectively, and empathize with others.  This is also very important in situations where learning, or working, is best accomplished in a group.

We all have met people with incredible charm and presence; these talented individuals are normal people, just like you and I. So, how do they get to be that way? Are they born that way? Or do they learn it along the way? From my own personal experience in parenting two exceptional and yet very different sons, I would say it is a combination of the two. We are born with a set of talents, and we learn some skills faster than others.  However, family and society (the environment that we grow up in), is also a major contributor to human development.

Is it possible to improve our interpersonal intelligence?  My answer is YES!  A lot of research has been done on brain plasticity – the changing of neurons and the arrangement of their networks, and therefore, our automatic brain functions. The most important thing that this research on brain plasticity has established is that the brain can still change and learn, no matter your age.  We all have the potential to develop our social intelligence.

Now, the path that you need to take in order to learn and make lasting changes is another matter. I am overwhelmed when I think of the multitude of ways we can improve ourselves: meditation, psychotherapy, yoga, and hypnotherapy, NLP, biofeedback… the list goes on and on.  However, just reading books, or attending seminars will not change a person in the long run. It takes practice and dedication in order to integrate this education into living skills.  So, whatever method you choose to pursue has to be practiced regularly.  A good analogy is learning how to drive a car.  Initially one must study the rules of driving; ultimately one needs to get behind the wheel and start driving.

From the bestselling author of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE comes SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Author Daniel Goleman uncovers new science, revealing that human minds are made to connect with one another during any interaction.

Duration : 0:4:10

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David Rakel, MD, talks about the importance of emotional experience in lecturing and connecting to your audience. Part of the Art of Lecturing seminar.

Duration : 0:19:25

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