Developing Emotional and Social Intelligence: Exercises for Leaders, Individuals, and Teams

Chapter 5. Decision Making*

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"The application of emotion to manage change and solve problems."

This EISA factor measures your ability to:

• Use positive emotions

• Use negative emotions

• Manage change and emotions to solve problems

Emotions are a factor in every decision, whether conscious or not. Some people claim, "I never let emotions get in the way of my decisions. I follow the same rational, logical process for every decision I make, and I do all I can to be unemotional about the problem and the solution." However, it is not recommended or even possible to separate emotions from the decision-making process. In fact, emotions—if accurately incorporated—will enhance the appropriateness and effectiveness of any decision.

Positive emotions can provide ...