Why emotional intelligence is an invalid concept

In this paper I argue that the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) is invalid both because it is not a form of intelligence and because it is defined so broadly and inclusively that it has no intelligible meaning. I distinguish the so-called concept of El from actual intelligence and from rationality. I identify the actual relation between reason and emotion. I reveal the fundamental inadequacy of the concept of El when applied to leadership. Finally, I suggest some alternatives to the EI concept. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.