The MHS EQ-i 2.0 Emotional Intelligence Assessment

Developing emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for leaders and professionals navigating today’s complex environments.

Our actions are driven by our behaviors and our behaviors are driven by our emotions. In order to be the best version of ourselves, I believe we each need to know our emotional baseline, a practical framework to direct our improvement, and actionable insight.

The MHS EQ-i 2.0 delivers all three, offering a toolset grounded in decades of research and innovation.

The origins of the EQ-i 2.0 trace back to the pioneering work of Dr. Reuven Bar-On, who introduced one of the first scientifically validated measures of emotional intelligence in the 1990s. Over the years, Multi-Health Systems (MHS) has refined this tool, integrating cutting-edge research to deepen our understanding of emotional and social skills. The result is a framework that not only defines EI but also translates it into meaningful, measurable competencies.

What makes the EQ-i 2.0 stand out is its holistic approach. It doesn’t just measure emotional intelligence; it maps out 15 interrelated skills, grouped into five composites, providing a clear lens through which individuals can understand their unique strengths and areas for growth. These insights reveal how emotional intelligence shows up behaviorally and how it interacts with the broader context of cognitive ability, motivation, learned skills, and environmental factors.

Unlike traditional metrics of success, such as IQ or technical expertise, emotional intelligence captures the “how” behind human interaction—how we connect, how we adapt, and how we thrive under pressure. It’s not a standalone attribute but rather a critical piece of the puzzle that enhances personal and professional effectiveness.

For example, self-awareness and self-expression aren’t isolated traits; they ripple into interpersonal relationships and decision-making. This interconnectedness means that improving one area often creates positive momentum in others. The EQ-i 2.0’s framework makes this clear, helping professionals see the bigger picture while homing in on specific actions that drive change.

In my experience, clients frequently experience “aha” moments during EQ-i debrief sessions. These moments come when they recognize not just what they’re good at but how those skills translate into real-world impact. For many, this validation is both personal and professional, providing clarity on how they can better lead teams, influence stakeholders, and achieve long-term goals.

The EQ-i 2.0 isn’t just about identifying areas for improvement—it’s about creating a roadmap for growth. A skilled coach acts as a guide, translating the data into actionable strategies that clients can immediately apply. Whether it’s navigating workplace challenges or enhancing communication at home, the EQ-i framework empowers individuals to make meaningful changes.

As a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this process can be. The EQ-i 2.0 doesn’t just measure emotional intelligence—it inspires growth, connection, and success in ways that resonate deeply with clients.