While I believe that Emotional Intelligence is developed in all 3 domains, I think it is mainly developed in the Self-Development Domain, and is fostered in the Operational and Institutional Domains. Becoming emotionally intelligent is not an easy process but it begins by growing up and existing in an environment that is both mentally and physically demanding. If one is not pushed to exertion in both a mental and physical capacity they never truly test the limits of their emotional intelligence because they do not know if they can sympathize, empathize or interact effectively when they reach the end of their tether. An Army mantra I was taught by a former battalion commander is: “get comfortable being uncomfortable,” and it’s one I’ll cite throughout my career. It is not easy to develop oneself from an emotional intelligence standpoint, so the leader’s with the highest emotional acumen will naturally be those that work the hardest at it.

From an institutional and operational domain the Army does a satisfactory job of attempting to put young soldiers and leaders in situations that make them uncomfortable (at least physically) which is why I argue that these domains are at least somewhat designed to foster growth in the emotional intelligence perspective and/or weed out those with no capacity for it. Experience in the operational domain is the most important facet of growing emotionally intelligent, while institutionally a system of mentoring is present which is also designed to hold young leaders by the hand and challenge their emotional intelligence.

Everyone responds more positively or negatively to different triggers and it’s on us to understand what these are in our soldiers to assist in their development as both men/women and as future leaders themselves. I believe the most important tenant of emotional intelligence is the ability to identify these triggers and implementing them at the most necessary times, and its why the best leaders I’ve had have only had to express their disappointment in me, rather than attempt to physically crush me (a nearly impossible feat, as it’s almost impossible to smoke a rock), to exact the best out of me.