It may seem strange to suggest, that there's a connection between emotions and intelligence or vice versa, a recent study would suggest otherwise.  Sometimes, there's more to being smart and just using your brain.  Or what others may suggest your is being book smart.  Those that excel in a academic situation are  often considered book smart.  while those that do exceedingly well out in the real world often considered street smart.  A popular term to describe StreetSmarts is often referred to as emotional intelligence.  It's sort of means, being able to apply book smarts in a real-life situation outside of the library so to speak.

Emotional intelligence is a phrase again popularity in the early to mid-90s due to research by Salovey and Mayer.  During a period and never gained a lot of popularity or acceptance amongst the scientific community.  But, as of late to has been more research done in its credibility factor house climb.  It's not an easy thing to pass, as emotions are very non-tangible trait.

There has been some new testing come to light.  There is such a thing as an emotional intelligence quotient.  Commonly known as (EQ).  It's basically a measure of someone's ability to detect, measure and manage one's own as well as others emotions.  It's not a hard and fast definition, as this is a field of study that continues to evolve everyday.

I have a daughter with down syndrome, entering my research and studying of the disorder I first came across a phrase emotional intelligence.  Adults and children with down syndrome are often considered to be more emotionally or  socially intelligent than book smart.  I can attest to this experience in real life as I watch her grow older everyday. 

But emotional intelligence has many more far-reaching implications.  Anywhere people join and interact in a social or business having can be influenced by emotional intelligence.  Or more specifically, by those who are attuned to the nuances involved.  For the longest time the world of business was always considered a black-and-white cold and sterile environment, when no place for emotion.  Things have changed, and smart managers and smart businesses have realized that emotion plays a large role in their day-to-day work.

Those who can deal well with people, often considered to be emotionally intelligent.  They can sense what others are thinking and feeling and know how to react in any given situation.  It's quite easy to see, how this can be an advantage in business or your social life.