Emotional and social intelligence are core skills that every great life coach must develop.
These competencies allow you to build trust, create deeper client relationships, and help clients navigate their own emotions and social environments effectively.

This section introduces a simple, powerful tool you can use to strengthen both your own emotional and social intelligence, as well as your clients' over time.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions — and to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others.

Social intelligence is the ability to navigate complex social environments, build strong relationships, and communicate effectively.

In coaching, mastery of these skills leads to:

• Greater empathy and active listening
• Stronger client connections
• Better conflict resolution
• Deeper trust and rapport
• More transformational coaching outcomes

The Emotional and Social Competency Inventory is a self-reflection tool.

It gives you a series of focused prompts across key areas, encouraging deep awareness and honest evaluation.

You (and eventually your clients) will reflect on areas like:

• Self-awareness
• Emotional self-control
• Empathy
• Relationship management
• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution
• Adaptability

This process helps identify strengths, blind spots, and areas for growth — creating a clear action plan for personal development.

Complete the Self-Assessment:

Reflect honestly on each competency prompt. Rate yourself and add short notes if helpful.

1. Identify Growth Areas: Notice where you scored lowest. These are great opportunities for focused improvement.
2. Create a Personal Development Plan:
3. Set a few simple goals to strengthen your emotional and social skills over the next 30–90 days.
4. (Optional) Gather Feedback:
5. Once you're comfortable, you may ask trusted colleagues or friends for gentle feedback about how they experience your emotional and social skills.

  As a coach, your emotional and social intelligence sets the tone for every session.
When you model emotional awareness, self-regulation, and compassionate communication, your clients learn by example — and are empowered to do the same in their own lives.  

Self-Awareness

1. I can recognize my emotions as they happen.
2. I understand how my emotions impact my behavior and decisions.
3. I am aware of my strengths and areas for growth.

Self-Management

1. I can stay calm and composed under pressure.
2. I adapt well when unexpected changes occur.
3. I manage my impulses and reactions effectively.

Social Awareness

1. I easily pick up on the emotions of others.
2. I show empathy by understanding other people’s perspectives.
3. I am attentive to social dynamics in group settings.
4. Relationship Management
5. I build and maintain healthy, trusting relationships.
6. I communicate clearly and respectfully, even during conflict.
7. I influence and inspire others positively.

Reflection Questions:

1. Which area do you feel strongest in?
2. Which area would you like to improve?
3. How will strengthening your emotional and social intelligence make you a better coach?

Next Steps:

✅ Identify one strength you will continue to use in your coaching journey.

✅ Choose one area for growth and set a small action step to practice this week.