Does the Army’s Leadership Requirement Model account for emotional intelligence? If so, where does it fit in? How it could potentially be measured or quantified?

As subtle as it may seem, emotional intelligence is implied within the Army’s leadership model. I think that these attributes and competencies are essentially modeled from emotional intelligence. While there are several models studied as an expansion of Goleman’s widely criticized original model, the trait and ability models present a more fitting concept in leadership. Petrides and Furnham (2001) defined trait emotional intelligence as a collection of traits and self-perceived abilities, while Salovey and Mayer (2004) described ability emotional intelligence as a skillset. These traits and abilities as Goleman categorized into domains are projected in the Army leader requirement model. The qualities under character, for example, embody trait emotional intelligence. Moreover, empathy is more than a skill that allows a leader to emotionally connect to his/her subordinates. Discipline, I think, is the epitome of self-regulation. Interpersonal tact under intellect is an ability or skillset for social navigation. I also believe that resilience is more clearly outlined in Army doctrine as part of self-awareness domain of emotional intelligence. Sewell (2011) quoted that emotional intelligence encompasses the major aspects of intelligence (i.e. emotional, personal, social, and survival). In 2006, FM 6-22 instituted the new leadership framework in which resilience is more defined and focuses on the five dimensions of strength (physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and family). In regards to this, does the Army have a program or training for emotional intelligence? My answer is yes, but only on some aspects. The Army currently trains Soldiers on resiliency (i.e. MRT) as it was recognized to be a necessity. This is very valuable especially to the leaders as it builds that quality and would be influential to the leader’s subordinates.

Ultimately, emotional intelligence is about knowing your own emotions where it extends to understanding the emotion of others. Regardless of our role in the Army or in society, we are all emotional human beings. As Sewell (2011) pointed out, an emotionally well-balanced person is more fruitful in dealing with adversity, whether personally, professionally, or relationally. However, I wish to argue that emotional intelligence would be challenging to quantify. Although a rubric may be established to evaluate this trait, perception plays a critical role. One’s perception of someone would be different from another. I do believe, though, that certain aspects of emotional can be measured to a certain level but not as a whole. From a scientific point of view, the parameters for measuring EI would be more qualitative than quantitative especially that evaluating one’s own EI is self-perceived. I would agree that some qualities can be measured in comparison to another or set of individuals, but there is limited to no accurate way of quantifying EI.
Sources:
Petrides, K. V. and Furnham, A. (2001), Trait emotional intelligence: psychometric investigation with reference to established trait taxonomies. Eur. J. Pers., 15: 425–448. doi:10.1002/per.416

Sewell, G. F. (2011), How emotional intelligence can make a difference. Military Review, March-April 2011. http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20110430_art012.pdf