PGPPM students host special talk on Emotional Intelligence as a policy tool as part of ‘Policy Speaks’ series
Dr. R. Anandakumar, IAS, Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Training), Government of Tamil Nadu, leads discussion
14 February, 2025, Bengaluru: Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) hosted a special talk on, ‘Impact of Emotional Intelligence Concepts as a Policy Tool in Government Organizations’, as part of the annual ‘Policy Speaks’ series, earlier today. Dr. R. Anandakumar, IAS, Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Training), Government of Tamil Nadu, led the session.
In a policy landscape, where decisions are the currency to progress, government officials must constantly assess options, risks and their implications on public administration and management of public resources. As Emotional Intelligence (EI) in strong bureaucratic systems gains recognition as a dominant facet of intellect, Dr. R. Anandakumar’s talk explored how it can go on to serve as a management instrument that mobilizes citizens and stakeholders of the state.
Explaining that Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage emotions of the self as well as understanding emotions of other people, Dr. Anandakumar added, “Managing different aspects of life needs not just intellectual capabilities, but EI too. EI has a vital role to play at the workplace as well, with significant impact on how employees interact with one another as well as boosting productivity.”
He went on to list the five key elements of EI as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills, and quoted eminent psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking. “While System 1 thinking is reactive, fast and emotional, making us jump to conclusions, System 2 thinking is deliberate, slower and rational with problem-solving and analytical qualities.”
Explaining further, he said, “The mind is vital as we take decisions through the mind. Self-awareness can help self-regulation. If we manage ourselves well, only then will we be able to manage others. By understanding others emotionally, we can take the best decisions.”
Dr. R. Anandakumar’s talk was followed by a Q&A session, where he discussed diverse ways to improve our mental wellbeing. He pointed out that today happiness is extremely sought after, and many countries believe that it is an indicator of progressive development. “In fact, many countries have set up ministries of happiness and wellbeing. In India too, Madhya Pradesh was the first state to have a happiness department.”
He advised that in many cases, slowing down allows us to think more clearly and make better decisions. “You can see things better if you slow down. Remember, wisdom is already there for all. We are trying to know our mind through our mind. Knowing ourselves will give us clarity about our roles. Engage your mind optimally in everything you do. When you read something, do not read only for gaining knowledge – but for wisdom as well.”
Observing that EI is learnable, he said, “Be it through emotional first aid, cleansing of emotions, placebo effect – there are several ways of embellishing EI. You can improve your EI skills with some thoughtfulness and practice.”
He shared how honing his EI skills has helped him in his own professional journey. “If you are emotionally intelligent, you can take decisions and communicate it in a way so that the receiver is left happy too. While interacting with various stakeholders, you can sugarcoat words or practice humor. EI is a very effective tool and can really make a difference in how we perform at work.”
Click here for photo gallery
PGPPM students host special talk on Emotional Intelligence as a policy tool as part of ‘Policy Speaks’ series
Dr. R. Anandakumar, IAS, Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Training), Government of Tamil Nadu, leads discussion
14 February, 2025, Bengaluru: Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) hosted a special talk on, ‘Impact of Emotional Intelligence Concepts as a Policy Tool in Government Organizations’, as part of the annual ‘Policy Speaks’ series, earlier today. Dr. R. Anandakumar, IAS, Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Training), Government of Tamil Nadu, led the session.
In a policy landscape, where decisions are the currency to progress, government officials must constantly assess options, risks and their implications on public administration and management of public resources. As Emotional Intelligence (EI) in strong bureaucratic systems gains recognition as a dominant facet of intellect, Dr. R. Anandakumar’s talk explored how it can go on to serve as a management instrument that mobilizes citizens and stakeholders of the state.
Explaining that Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage emotions of the self as well as understanding emotions of other people, Dr. Anandakumar added, “Managing different aspects of life needs not just intellectual capabilities, but EI too. EI has a vital role to play at the workplace as well, with significant impact on how employees interact with one another as well as boosting productivity.”
He went on to list the five key elements of EI as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills, and quoted eminent psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking. “While System 1 thinking is reactive, fast and emotional, making us jump to conclusions, System 2 thinking is deliberate, slower and rational with problem-solving and analytical qualities.”
Explaining further, he said, “The mind is vital as we take decisions through the mind. Self-awareness can help self-regulation. If we manage ourselves well, only then will we be able to manage others. By understanding others emotionally, we can take the best decisions.”
Dr. R. Anandakumar’s talk was followed by a Q&A session, where he discussed diverse ways to improve our mental wellbeing. He pointed out that today happiness is extremely sought after, and many countries believe that it is an indicator of progressive development. “In fact, many countries have set up ministries of happiness and wellbeing. In India too, Madhya Pradesh was the first state to have a happiness department.”
He advised that in many cases, slowing down allows us to think more clearly and make better decisions. “You can see things better if you slow down. Remember, wisdom is already there for all. We are trying to know our mind through our mind. Knowing ourselves will give us clarity about our roles. Engage your mind optimally in everything you do. When you read something, do not read only for gaining knowledge – but for wisdom as well.”
Observing that EI is learnable, he said, “Be it through emotional first aid, cleansing of emotions, placebo effect – there are several ways of embellishing EI. You can improve your EI skills with some thoughtfulness and practice.”
He shared how honing his EI skills has helped him in his own professional journey. “If you are emotionally intelligent, you can take decisions and communicate it in a way so that the receiver is left happy too. While interacting with various stakeholders, you can sugarcoat words or practice humor. EI is a very effective tool and can really make a difference in how we perform at work.”
Click here for photo gallery