How can you interpret emotional intelligence assessment tool results?

1 Know the purpose of the assessment

Before you take an EI assessment tool, or after you receive your results, you should be clear about the purpose of the assessment. Why did you or someone else choose this particular tool? What are the goals and objectives of the assessment? How will the results be used and by whom? Knowing the purpose of the assessment can help you understand the context, the validity, and the limitations of the tool, and avoid unrealistic expectations or misinterpretations.

2 Understand the framework and the scales

Different EI assessment tools use different frameworks and scales to measure your EI skills and competencies. For example, some tools are based on the four-branch model of EI, which includes perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions. Other tools are based on the mixed model of EI, which includes self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Some tools use numerical scores, while others use descriptive labels or categories. You should familiarize yourself with the framework and the scales of the tool you are using, and learn how to interpret them correctly.

3 Compare your results with the norms and the benchmarks

Most EI assessment tools provide you with some information on how your results compare with the norms and the benchmarks of the tool. The norms are the average or typical scores of a large and representative group of people who have taken the same tool. The benchmarks are the desired or optimal scores for a specific group of people, such as a profession, a role, or a level of performance. Comparing your results with the norms and the benchmarks can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set realistic goals for improvement.

4 Seek feedback and guidance

Another way to interpret your EI assessment tool results is to seek feedback and guidance from others who are familiar with the tool and its implications. This could be a coach, a mentor, a peer, or a supervisor who has expertise or experience in EI development. They can help you understand your results in depth, provide you with constructive feedback, and suggest strategies and resources for enhancing your EI skills and competencies.

5 Apply your results to your practice

Finally, the most important step in interpreting your EI assessment tool results is to apply them to your practice. This means using your results as a starting point for reflection, learning, and action. You should reflect on how your EI skills and competencies affect your behavior, your performance, and your outcomes in various situations. You should learn from your successes and failures, and seek opportunities to practice and improve your EI skills and competencies. You should also monitor your progress and evaluate the impact of your actions on your EI development.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?