Q1.What do you understand by emotional intelligence? How does it help a civil servant in discharging their duties effectively?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the capacity to understand, use, and manage one's own emotions, and to perceive and influence the emotions of others. It comprises five key components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Emotional intelligence is indispensable for civil servants to effectively discharge their duties, fostering both administrative efficiency and public welfare.

• It improves decision-making, crisis management, and stress handling, especially under pressure.
• Enhances public interaction, grievance redressal, and cultivates genuine empathy towards citizens.
• Facilitates effective team leadership, conflict resolution, and promotes collaboration among colleagues.
• Helps maintain ethical conduct, builds resilience, and contributes to a positive and productive work environment.

Thus, emotional intelligence equips civil servants with essential soft skills, enabling them to discharge duties with greater efficiency, integrity, and public trust.