Final answer:
Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the aptitude for recognizing and managing one's own emotions and the emotions of others. It encompasses empathy, self-awareness, and social skills, often considered a better success predictor than IQ.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions in oneself and others. It was popularized by Daniel Goleman in his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ. Emotional intelligence includes components such as self-awareness, empathy, social skills and the ability to manage one's own emotions effectively. Higher levels of EI have been linked to better personal and professional outcomes.
Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences suggests that inter- and intrapersonal intelligences are key aspects of what he also would describe as emotional intelligence. The concept has been widely debated and is regarded by some as a better predictor of success than traditional IQ, though empirical support for this assertion varies.
Empathy is one crucial aspect of emotional intelligence, which allows individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. This ability to empathize with others and grasp the nuances of social interactions contributes significantly to one's emotional intelligence quotient.