With the profound changes that artificial intelligence is bringing into our lives and the world of work, there is growing reflection on what skills will set us apart from robots and algorithms. Two soft skills define us as human beings evolving in social contexts. Let’s explore them.
The ongoing technological evolution has triggered assessments of future jobs—identifying which roles will disappear and which will emerge in increasingly automated environments. It is in this context that management studies turn to neuroscience, driven by the need to understand the distinctive element of being human, something that can never be standardized or replicated by machines.
Emotional and Social Intelligence
The well-known psychologist and emotional intelligence (EQ) researcher Daniel Goleman, particularly in organizational contexts, argues that this soft skill—highlighted by the World Economic Forum as one of the most crucial of our era—is worth about twice as much as IQ in typical jobs.
For leaders, 85% of outcomes are attributed to emotional intelligence, while only 15% depend on IQ.
Goleman defines emotional intelligence by five core traits:
- Self-awareness – the ability to recognize one’s emotions to produce effective outcomes.
- Self-regulation – using one’s emotions purposefully.
- Motivation – uncovering the deep reason that drives action.
- Empathy – the ability to emotionally connect with others.
- Social skills – the ability to engage with others and understand interpersonal dynamics.
As for SOCIAL SKILL, it encompasses the following transversal abilities:
- Persuasion and influence
- Communication
- Conflict management
- Leadership
- Change management
- Building lasting relationships
- Collaboration (teamwork)
These aspects of social skills reflect Goleman’s extended work on Social Intelligence, an emerging theme in contemporary discussions on success at work.
From Emotional to Social Intelligence: The Biology of Human Connection
Neuroscientific studies show that the human brain is inherently “social,” automatically forming intimate connections with others’ brains every time we interact.
Even casual encounters trigger emotional responses in us and others. The more emotionally connected we are with someone, the stronger the mutual influence.
Goleman explains:
“During these neural linkages, our brains engage in an emotional tango, a dance of feelings. Our social interactions act like modulators—interpersonal thermostats that continuously reset key aspects of brain function while orchestrating our emotions.”
The emotions generated in these exchanges have far-reaching physiological effects, activating hormones that regulate systems across the body—from the heart to immune cells.
Surprisingly, our relationships shape not only our experiences, but our biology.
Science confirms: positive relationships enhance our health, while toxic ones act like poison within us.
While emotional intelligence involves individual skills for managing one’s emotions, social intelligence expands this concept to the realm of interpersonal relationships—extending from individual psychology to a relational psychology of two or more people.
Conclusion
To summarize, emotional and social intelligence consist of four elements, grouped into personal and social competencies:
Personal Competencies (Emotional Intelligence):
- Self-awareness – recognizing personal moods, preferences, internal resources, and intuitions.
- Self-management – regulating emotions, impulses, and internal resources.
Social Competencies (Social Intelligence):
- Social awareness – being attuned to others’ feelings, needs, and concerns.
- Relationship management – the ability to generate desirable responses in others.
Emotional and social intelligence means being aware of your own and others’ emotions and using that awareness to guide both yourself and those around you.
Only by developing greater awareness of the importance of emotions and their role in interpersonal dynamics can we bring new—albeit less technical—skills to our work. These are the abilities that individuals and organizations alike must actively cultivate.
