Emotional intelligence & team performance : does training matter?

In recent years, significant research has been conducted exploring the outcomes of emotional intelligence for individuals, groups and organisations. The research presented in this paper adds to this growing body of knowledge by exploring whether emotional intelligence can be increased through training; what type of interventions increase emotional intelligence; and what performance benefits result. Utilising an experimental methodology, we studied the effects of an interpersonal skills training program and an emotions focussed intervention in a large public sector organisation. Results demonstrate that, while performance improved for both training interventions, only the emotions focussed training program increased emotional intelligence. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our research for research and practice.