1. What Is EQ (and Why Should You Care)?
Emotional Intelligence is commonly defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others.
(Adapted from the EQ-i 2.0 Model, Reuven Bar-On, 2012. Multi-Health Systems Inc.)
The tool I use in my coaching and corporate consulting work is the EQ-i 2.0, developed by Dr. Reuven Bar-On and backed by decades of scientific research. It’s one of the most trusted and widely used tools for measuring emotional intelligence in leadership and business settings.
The EQ-i 2.0 breaks emotional intelligence into five key composite areas:
- Self-Perception
- Self-Expression
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Decision Making
- Stress Management
(Model framework and scale descriptions from the EQ-i 2.0 Model, Reuven Bar-On, 2012. Multi-Health Systems Inc. All rights reserved.)
Each month, I’ll focus on one of these five skill areas. This month: Self-Perception. Coming in July: Self-Expression.
2. Self-Perception: The Foundation of Inner Leadership
Self-Perception is more than self-esteem. It’s your internal compass—your relationship with yourself, your belief in your own abilities, and your clarity about what matters most.
According to the EQ-i 2.0 model, this area includes three subscales:
- Self-Regard – “Self-regard is respecting oneself while understanding and accepting one’s strengths and weaknesses.”
- Self-Actualization – “The willingness to persistently try to improve oneself and engage in the pursuit of personally relevant and meaningful objectives.”
- Emotional Self-Awareness – “The ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions.”
(All definitions sourced from the EQ-i 2.0 Model, Reuven Bar-On, 2012. Multi-Health Systems Inc. All rights reserved.)
Understanding your Self-Perception gives you the foundation to lead with authenticity and resilience. Without it, even the most talented people can sabotage their own growth.
Validity That Matters: Why This Assessment Stands Out
The EQ-i 2.0 is not a buzzword quiz or personality test. “It’s a scientifically validated tool used across the globe in leadership development programs, executive coaching, and team performance initiatives. It’s built on more than 15 years of data, research, and refinement.”
(EQ-i 2.0 Model, Reuven Bar-On, 2012. Multi-Health Systems Inc. All rights reserved.)
As a licensed EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 assessor, I completed advanced training and passed rigorous testing to interpret these results with accuracy and depth. This certification allows me to help clients take their results beyond the numbers—into measurable, lasting change.
Emotional Intelligence and Leadership: The Research Speaks
If you’re in a leadership role—or want to step into one—emotional intelligence isn’t optional. It’s essential.
“Fifteen years of research have shown that leaders tend to score higher in emotional intelligence than the general population.”
(EQ-i 2.0 Model, Reuven Bar-On, 2012. Multi-Health Systems Inc. All rights reserved.)
And the beauty of EQ? It’s not some vague trait or abstract quality. It’s a measurable, learnable skill set—one you can develop over time.
“When clients focus on building even one or two key areas—like confidence (self-regard), emotional insight, or decision-making—they often see significant growth in their presence, impact, and clarity. These subscale scores become building blocks for better leadership—a foundation you can strengthen with strategy and support.”
(EQ-i 2.0 Model, Reuven Bar-On, 2012. Multi-Health Systems Inc. All rights reserved.)
From Insight to Action: Your Customized EQ Plan
Once you take the EQ-i 2.0 assessment, you’ll receive a full report of your results. But that’s just the beginning.
The real transformation happens when you apply those results—with the support of a trained coach.
Together, we’ll:
- Interpret your scores to identify your strengths and growth areas
- Explore the specific subscales driving your performance
- Create a SMART Action Plan—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
- Define your desired outcomes, success measures, and what “growth” looks like in your world
- Identify potential roadblocks—and develop strategies to overcome them
This is not a generic report or one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a personalized roadmap, grounded in neuroscience and real-world goals. It’s where awareness turns into alignment—and alignment turns into momentum.
Who Is This For?
I work with professionals who are ready to lead—not just manage. The EQ-i 2.0 assessment and coaching process is especially effective for:
- Entrepreneurs building teams or scaling their vision
- Executives and aspiring leaders navigating workplace dynamics
- Business owners managing people and pressure
- Professionals ready to step into new levels of responsibility, visibility, or leadership
- And especially high-achieving women—the ones juggling multiple roles, chasing big goals, and carrying a lot of “irons in the fire”
Whether you’re leading others—or learning to lead yourself—this process gives you the tools to grow from the inside out.
What’s Next?
This article kicks off a 5-part monthly series on emotional intelligence. Each issue will spotlight one of the five core skill areas from the EQ-i 2.0 model. Next month’s focus: Self-Expression.
But if this first article hit a nerve—and you’re curious what your EQ profile says about your leadership potential—I invite you to reach out and book a call with me. You don’t have to guess what to work on. You can measure it, map it, and build it—just like any other success strategy.
Let’s turn insight into action.
By Lisa Bell, Positive Intelligence Coach, Emotional Intelligence Licensed Assessor, Credentialed ICF
Your Results-Driven Mindset Coach | lisabell.com
Author of “Get Off the Hot Mess Express! Strengthen Your Mental Muscle to Discover the Life You Deserve.”
Source Attribution: Portions of this article referencing subscale definitions and model structure are quoted from: EQ-i 2.0 Model, Reuven Bar-On, 2012. Multi-Health Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission by a licensed EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 Assessor.