Delta CEO prizes workers with EQ

What is emotional intelligence?

Apr 27, 2009
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Submitted by: Paula Schwed
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The CEO of Delta Airlines says he delves far beyond college degrees and work experience when he's interviewing people for leadership posts. "We've all seen many instances where people had perfect resumes, but weren't effective in an organization," says Richard Anderson in Sunday's New York Times Magazine.

Instead he probes for what he calls "the human factor" - emotional intelligence. "You're looking at - do you get along well with people? Are you the sort of person that can be a part of a team and motivate people? Do you have the emotional I.Q.?" he says.

Anderson says he'd like to see business schools teach these skills: "I know it's intangible, and it's not like finance where 2 plus 2 is 4. I don't know whether it can be taught, but it can certainly be studied."

It can be taught, as we have learned since the days Anderson was back in the classroom, and kids who learn these vital life lessons acquire powerful tools that help them find success and happiness.

Visit WINGS: Learn more about social and emotional intelligence development

Read the full Q&A with Delta CEO who prizes emotional intelligence

This article hits the nail

On June 26th, 2009 Will Thompson says:
This article hits the nail on the head! Organizations rely on teamwork and collaboration to grow and progress. While you probably want an employee who has an impressive resume, it is very important to have an employee who is able to show SEL skills that include: being able to work with a team, appropriately handle their emotions, and make responsible decisions. As Anderson stated in the article, SEL skills are intangible. I feel as if a business can train an employee to become more efficient with organization, have effective meetings, etc., but it is much more difficult to teach someone to be emotionally intelligent.

EQ in interviews

On May 2nd, 2009 cristy mccrery says:
After doing interview after interview for the upcoming school year, I was able to see some people's emotional intelligence shine through during conversations, while others seemed like they still needed some work. Obviously we want our WINGSLeaders to have social and emotional intelligence because they'll be teaching social skills to kids. And if they do not quite have it yet, I do appreciate people with an open mind. I think it does not matter what your GPA is, how many honors classes you've taken, or what plans you have in the future to be a doctor. If you are unable to work well with others, and if you do not have an open mind, then that won't get you far in life. You can't fly without your WINGS!