Handbook for Developing Emotional and Social Intelligence: Best Practices, Case Studies, and Strategies

3.1. THE FOUNDATIONS: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EI) AND SYSTEMS THEORY

We used emotional intelligence as a foundation for the Program, which allowed us to attend to both the objective and subjective realities of the people and communities in which we worked. The model of EI and resonant leadership allowed participants to see themselves and groups in new ways. It also enabled the leaders to focus on the power of hope and compassion for their countries and for the people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

We used action research to impact learning and behavior change that could then lead to wider social change, and we ensured that the Program utilized multiple levels of learning—individual, team, and community. The combination of EI and a systems ...