What is emotional intelligence? How can it help a civil servant in han — UPSC Mains Answer Writing

10 marks 150 words Explain / Apply

What is emotional intelligence? How can it help a civil servant in handling stress and public grievances?

Decoding the directive: “Explain / Apply”

Define, list the components, then apply directly to a civil servant’s work.

What UPSC is really asking

Define EI, give Goleman’s components (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills), and apply them to administrative stress, grievance redressal and team leadership.

Dimensions the examiner expects

Cover these dimensions

Definition & components (Goleman)
Application — stress management & self-regulation
Application — empathy in grievance redressal
Application — leadership and team morale

Concepts & keywords to name

Use the right vocabulary

Emotional intelligence — perceiving and managing emotions
Goleman’s five components
Empathy — central to public dealing
Self-regulation — composure under pressure

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t do this

Listing components without applying them
No civil-service context
Confusing EI with IQ

Quick hints before you write

Structuring tips

Map each EI component to a specific administrative situation.
Keep the definition tight; spend words on application.

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