Understanding parts of our brains, knowing them all, and getting them together for effective functioning is Emotional Intelligence. It means being able to engage in whole-brain thinking, and whole is definitely greater than sum of its parts.Our brain consists of three brains, reptilian, or primitive brain; limbic brain; and neocortex. Furthermore, neocortex, thinking brain, is divided into two parts – a left and right hemisphere.
The reptilian and limbic brains deal with emotions. The reptilian deals with lower ones needed for survival, such as territorial aggression and defense, sex, and disgust. These feelings are automatic, and beyond our control. The limbic brain deals with higher order emotions, such as parenting and social responsibility. They are also automatic, as you know, if a child has assaulted your preschooler on playground and you are overtaken with rage.
The neocortex , thinking brain, consists of two parts – left and right hemispheres. We each have both, but generally one is dominant. It is always dominant unless you have worked to develop other side of brain. It will always be one you revert to under stress.
The left brain is analytical, logical, linear and factual. It deals with words as words, and tends to see trees, not forest.
The right brain is holistic, sees patterns, creative, metaphorical, and intuitive. It tends to see forest and not trees. Right-brained people tend to pay attention to tone of voice, nuances and nonverbal expressions rather than actual words being spoken.
You can see difficulties in communication here. If you have one person who is very right-brained trying to communicate with someone who is very left-brained, discomfort on other person’s part can be physiological and real.
In best-case scenario, if you’ve worked on your emotional intelligence, you have developed both hemispheres of brain. The advantages to this are numerous. In relationships at home, in your social life and at work, you can simply communicate better. Not everyone can switch their style of communication, but if you can, you will have a crucial advantage in communication.
If you’ve ever listened to someone try and present a case when they’re using wrong “language,” you know what I mean. For one person, saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” can clinch deal. To another, they will become upset and ask you to “stick to topic please.” Metaphor works with some people and not with others.
Alternatively, giving a list of data, with facts in a linear progression may convince someone else, but leave you cold.