Lecturer and Coach (School Edu. Dept.) Comp. Personal competence in emotional intelligence includes self-awareness (understanding one's own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and drives) and self-management (controlling or redirecting disruptive impulses and moods, the propensity to suspend judgment, and thinking before acting, as well as conscientiousness, adaptability, and optimism). Social competence includes empathy (understanding other people's emotional makeup) and social skills (proficiency in managing relationships and building networks).