Knowing how to respond to others’ emotional states is the essence of Emotional Intelligence. But how do we actually learn it? Executive leadership coach Kris Girrell suggests that sometimes the path to becoming intimately aware of our emotions may be a little bumpier than we bargained for, but in the end, results in stronger relationships. Kris is an executive leadership coach, co-owner of the Goddard Preschool in Reading, and author of A Married Man’s Survival Guide. Kris believes that emotional intelligence plays a fundamental role in successful leadership. Kris is a co-organizer of Operation ELF (Everybody Loves Families) which spreads the holiday spirit to hundreds of underprivileged children in Framingham each December. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx