Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence in work with young people refers to the ability to recognise, understand and manage emotions, both in oneself and in relationships with others. It plays a key role in communication, decision-making, conflict resolution and social interaction. This area of practice explores emotional intelligence as a skill that develops through experience, reflection and interaction. It invites reflection on how emotional awareness is encouraged, learned or neglected in different environments where young people engage with others.

What you will find in this area

This area of practice brings together reflection, experience and action. It includes a podcast that explores emotional intelligence through real perspectives from practice, an approach that frames how emotional intelligence appears in everyday work with young people, and a set of methods and workshops that translate ideas into concrete activities. The materials can be used independently or combined, depending on your context and learning goals.

Podcast

This podcast explores how emotional intelligence is understood and developed across different contexts of working with young people. It reflects on emotional awareness, empathy and self-regulation, and how these skills influence relationships, learning processes and group dynamics. The conversation brings together perspectives from youth work and other sectors, highlighting practical ways emotional intelligence is supported, as well as challenges related to communication, emotional expression and social expectations. The edited podcast transcript based on recorded discussion is available for download below.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE PODCAST EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE PODCAST
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Practice approach

Emotional intelligence in practice is closely connected to everyday interactions and relationships. Young people continuously navigate emotions related to belonging, frustration, confidence and self-expression, often without structured opportunities to reflect on these experiences. This approach frames emotional intelligence as a learnable and context-dependent capacity. Working with emotional intelligence means creating spaces where emotions can be recognised and discussed, supporting empathy and perspective-taking, and helping young people develop strategies for emotional regulation and communication.

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Methods

The following methods and workshops support practical engagement with emotional intelligence. They are designed to encourage reflection, dialogue and emotional awareness, and can be adapted to different groups, ages and contexts. The methods and workshops related to this area of practice are available as printable cards. You can download them below.

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Navigation Cards    

This area of practice can be combined with the Navigation Cards to deepen reflection and discussion. The cards can help explore personal emotional responses, challenge assumptions about emotional expression, and reflect on the consequences emotions have on behaviour and relationships.

They can be used before, during or after activities to support orientation and meaningful dialogue.