I got to wondering why the article clips I sent were from a workplace website. Then I started finding lots and lots more training books for the workplace, touting learning emotional intelligence to improve -- and shine -- in your workplace performance. Thunder and bells went off in my head: "This is just teaching SOME people in the workplace how to manipulate." So I followed a different research track and found this article in The Atlantic online. Its title and subtitle: "The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence --In some jobs, being in touch with emotions is essential. In others, it seems to be a detriment. And like any skill, being able to read people can be used for good or evil." <snip>


A quote from the article: "New evidence shows that when people hone their emotional skills, they become better at manipulating others. When you’re good at controlling your own emotions, you can disguise your true feelings. When you know what others are feeling, you can tug at their heartstrings and motivate them to act against their own best interests.Social scientists have begun to document this dark side of emotional intelligence. In emerging research led by University of Cambridge professor Jochen Menges, when a leader gave an inspiring speech filled with emotion, the audience was less likely to scrutinize the message and remembered less of the content. Ironically, audience members were so moved by the speech that they claimed to recall more of it."


The article gives examples of two influential 20th Century leaders who had emotional intelligence -- one was "real" and the other studied it carefully to manipulate: The first exmple was Martin Luther King, Jr. "
Some of the greatest moments in human history were fueled by emotional intelligence. When Martin Luther King, Jr. presented his dream, he chose language that would stir the hearts of his audience. <snip> Delivering this electrifying message required emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions. Dr. King demonstrated remarkable skill in managing his own emotions and in sparking emotions that moved his audience to action."

The second massive figure cited for using emotional intelligence is described: "Recognizing the power of emotions, another one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century spent years studying the emotional effects of his body language. Practicing his hand gestures and analyzing images of his movements allowed him to become 'an absolutely spellbinding public speaker,' says the historian Roger Moorhouse—'it was something he worked very hard on.' His name was Adolf Hitler."

Years ago someone told me (I have not been able to substantiate/document this online) that in Canadian prison education, psychology courses are not allowed to be taught. Makes sense to me -- I hope it's true.