I have been working with the pioneers of the ability based model of emotional intelligence. Truly, what Peter Salovey of Yale and John Mayer of University of New Hampshire have discovered is unique and adds much to our ability to undersand ourselves and others. However, I absolutely agree with your view about what has happened in the field. I have struggled to gain agreement on a universal definition based on Salovey and Mayer's work. Essentially I believe Emotional Intelligence is the ability to identify, use, understand and manage emotions and emotional relationships.

I have used the Mayer Salovey Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) in my work with individuals and organizations and I have found it to be enormously helpful in helping others to learn how to become more emotionally intelligent. I have created The Emotion Roadmap as a tool that applies the ability based model in a concrete and practical way. I actually will be going on the radio as a talk show host on WPKN which can be heard over the internet on FM in NY and CT on December 26 from 4-6 PM to talk about my Emotion Roadmap and to answer people's questions on the air. I hope you listen to the show or view my website or blog which can be found at http://www.cjwolfe.com.

Do not give up on EI there is a real valuable science out there amidst all the other stuff that masquerades as EI.

Warm regards,
Chuck Wolfe