General Mood and Effective Performance

YOUR TURN

Write and Reflect

Select three EI competencies and do an Internet search for each of them. What kinds of information can you find about each of the competencies? Did any Web sites suggest helpful ways to strengthen these competencies? Prepare a short paper discussing your findings.

It might sound sappy, but having a positive attitude really does improve your chances of doing well. Bar-On emphasizes the importance of two emotions in particular:

  1. Optimism. Looking for the “bright side” of any problem or difficulty and being confident that things will work out for the best.
  2. Happiness. Being satisfied with yourself, with others, and with your situation in general.

It makes sense: If you feel good about yourself and manage your emotions, you can expect to get along with others and enjoy a happy, successful life.

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Accentuate the Positive You probably know people who always find the negative in any situation. Constantly focusing on what’s missing or what’s not perfect will likely make you the kind of person whom others avoid. Practice looking on the bright side.