Emotional Intelligence - UPSC GS IV (Ethics Notes)

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius

This is the essence of Emotional Intelligence. It means understanding your emotions, controlling them under pressure, and responding with empathy and maturity.

UPSC tests attitude, integrity, and emotional balance with knowledge. These notes will help you understand Emotional Intelligence with concepts and applications relevant for GS IV (Ethics) answers.

The term Emotional Intelligence was coined in 1990 by psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer. However, it gained global recognition after Daniel Goleman published his bestselling book Emotional Intelligence: "Why It Can Matter More Than IQ", which highlighted its importance in success and leadership.

Definitions of Emotional Intelligence

1. Daniel Goleman

“The ability to motivate oneself and persist in the face of frustrations, to control impulse and delay gratification, to regulate one’s moods and keep distress from swamping the ability to think, to empathise, and to hope.”

2. Peter Salovey and John Mayer

“The ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions.”

3. Oxford Dictionary

“The capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.”

In simple words, Emotional Intelligence (EI) means:

• Being aware of your emotions
• Managing them effectively
• Understanding others’ feelings
• Responding wisely in challenging situations

According to the model popularised by Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence consists of five core components. These elements explain how individuals manage themselves and handle relationships effectively.

1. Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the foundation of Emotional Intelligence. It means recognising and understanding your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and triggers in real time.

2. Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to control impulses and manage emotional reactions. Instead of reacting impulsively, a person pauses, thinks, and responds in a balanced and ethical manner.

3. Internal Motivation

Internal motivation refers to a strong inner drive to achieve goals with commitment, optimism, and resilience. It is not driven by external rewards like money or status, but by dedication to purpose and excellence. It is a key trait of ethical leadership.

4. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It allows a person to see issues from different perspectives and respond with compassion and fairness.
For civil servants, empathy ensures people-centric governance.

5. Social Skills

Social skills involve effective communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and relationship-building. Strong social skills help in maintaining harmony, negotiating solutions, and leading diverse groups efficiently.

These five components together shape a civil servant who is emotionally balanced, ethically grounded, and socially sensitive. 

Understanding the difference between EQ and IQ is important for the UPSC GS Paper IV syllabus and also for leadership ethics in civil services.

What is the Intelligence Quotient (IQ)?

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) measures a person’s cognitive abilities, such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills. It reflects how well a person can learn, understand concepts, and solve academic or technical problems.

What is Emotional Quotient (EQ)?

Emotional Quotient (EQ) measures a person’s ability to understand, manage, and use emotions effectively, both their own and others’. It reflects emotional awareness, empathy, self-control, and relationship management.

Key Differences Between EQ and IQ

Example 

Imagine a District Magistrate handling a protest situation:

• A high IQ helps in analysing the legal provisions and drafting orders correctly.
• A high EQ helps in calming the crowd, understanding public grievances, and resolving conflict peacefully.

Start Writing Ethics Case Studies for UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 with our guide. 

Emotional Intelligence (EI) enables a civil servant to serve with empathy, integrity, and balance. especially in challenging situations. Here's why Emotional Intelligence matters in the Civil Services

1. Better Decision-Making Under Pressure: Civil servants often work in crises such as disasters, protests, cand ommunal tensions. Emotional balance prevents impulsive decisions and ensures rational, ethical action.
2. Empathy Towards Vulnerable Sections: Policies impact diverse groups — women, children, minorities, and the poor. Empathy helps administrators design and implement people-centric governance.
3. Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: Many administrative challenges involve managing competing interests. High EI helps in dialogue, persuasion, and peaceful resolution.
4. Stress Management: The job involves long hours, public scrutiny, and political pressure. Emotional regulation prevents burnout and maintains professionalism.
5. Ethical Leadership: EI strengthens integrity, accountability, and fairness.

Real-Life Case Study: Armstrong Pame (IAS)

Armstrong Pame, an IAS officer of the Manipur cadre, is widely known as the “People’s IAS Officer.” In 2012, he mobilised public donations and community participation to construct a 100-km road in a remote area of Manipur where government funds were insufficient.

Instead of blaming administrative constraints, he connected emotionally with the local community, understood their struggles, and inspired collective action.

Emotional Intelligence Displayed:

• Empathy towards neglected tribal communities
• Strong social skills and community engagement
• Internal motivation driven by service, not recognition
• Ethical leadership and transparency

This case shows how emotional intelligence can transform governance from rule-based administration to people-centred development.

Emotional Intelligence can be improved with conscious effort and regular practice. For a UPSC aspirant and future civil servant, developing EQ is as important as gaining knowledge.

1. Practice Self-Awareness: Regularly reflect on your emotions. Ask yourself: Why am I feeling this? How is it affecting my response? Maintaining a journal can help track emotional patterns.
2. Learn to Pause Before Reacting: Control impulsive reactions. Take a few seconds to think before speaking or acting, especially in stressful situations.
3. Develop Empathy: Try to see situations from others’ perspectives. Listen actively without interrupting or judging.
4. Improve Communication Skills: Express your thoughts clearly and respectfully. Good communication reduces misunderstandings and conflicts.
5. Manage Stress Effectively: Practice meditation, exercise, or mindfulness. A calm mind improves emotional regulation.
6. Seek Constructive Feedback: Ask mentors, peers, or colleagues about your behaviour and interpersonal skills. Use feedback for improvement.

Also see: Ethics Study Material and Notes for UPSC Exam

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” — Aristotle

Emotional Intelligence is a core administrative competency. For UPSC aspirants, mastering emotions, practising empathy, and maintaining ethical balance are as important as academic preparation. 

A civil servant with high emotional intelligence ensures people-centric governance, effective leadership, and ethical decision-making. In today’s complex administrative environment, EQ truly complements IQ and defines responsible public service.

Must see: UPSC Mains General Studies 4 Ethics Syllabus Analysis