Who gets the best of you? Coaching to develop emotional intelligence in and out of work

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the current study is to determine the extent to which individuals who are being coached to develop emotional intelligence utilize these competencies in their work versus their personal lives. Design/methodology/approach Individuals, as part of a leadership development program or stand-alone executive coaching, were asked to self-report the extent to which they utilize emotional intelligence competencies in both their work and personal lives. These individuals were questioned at two time periods (Time 1N = 172; Time 2 N = 151), six months apart. Findings The findings overwhelmingly support that individuals report using emotional intelligence competencies more at work than in their personal lives at both times periods. There was, however, a substantial increase in those reporting utilizing emotional intelligence competencies in their personal life after participating in executive coaching. Originality/value Much research has examined the positive impacts that emotional intelligence has in the workplace. However, less research has examined its impact on individuals’ personal lives. Little to no research has examined how organizational interventions can help increase the positive impact of emotional intelligence outside of the workplace.