SEI Foundations

Social & Emotional Intelligence (SEI) Foundations

Social & Emotional Intelligence awareness building & skill development is the foundation

of our work with girls of all ages.

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is the nation’s

leading organization advancing the development of academic, social and emotional

competence for students, preschool through highschool. CASEL defines social and

emotional learning (SEL) as "involving the processes through which children and adults

acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand

and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others,

establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions."

For children and young adults, CASEL finds that "social and emotional skills are critical to being a good student, citizen and worker; and many risky behaviors (e.g., drug use, violence, bullying and dropping out) can be prevented or reduced when multiyear, integrated efforts are used to develop students' social and emotional skills."

For leaders, in life and business, numerous studies and practical programs over the years continue to demonstrate positive correlations between leadership success (performance and results, followership, promotions) and those with higher social and emotional intelligence. Daniel Goleman, a co-founder of CASEL, is also a leading expert for the application of social & emotional intelligence in leaders and work settings.

There are a variety of social & emotional intelligence frameworks, assessments, and development programs for youth and adults, most of which include some variation of CASEL's five interrelated sets of cognitive, affective and behavioral competencies:

Self-Awareness

The ability to accurately recognize one’s emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior. This includes accurately assessing one’s strengths and limitations and possessing a well-grounded sense of confidence and optimism.

Strengths and Style awareness and development is a central approach to VP's self-awareness skill development and coaching methods. We utilize a variety of assessment tools including Values in Action (VIA), DiSC and Social & Emotional Intelligence tools.

Self-Management

The ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations. This includes managing stress, controlling impulses, motivating oneself, and setting and working toward achieving personal and academic goals.

Mindfulness and Compassion practices are a central approach to VP's self-management skill development and coaching methods, as is development of Character Strengths shown to enhance life satisfaction and success such as grit, zest, curiosity, self control, optimism and gratitude.

Social-Awareness

The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to understand social and ethical norms for behavior, and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

Social Intelligence, Diversity & Inclusion and Social Systems Exploration are integral to VP's foundational philosophies.

Relationships

The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. This includes communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking and offering help when needed.

Circles are a central approach to VP's program delivery philosophy, enhancing opportunities for shared learning, collaboration and communications.

Responsible Decision Making

The ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on consideration of ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, the realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and the well-being of self and others.

Responsible decision making is at the heart of VP's leadership development philosophies and programs.

Growth Mindset

Fostering a growth mindset, where one believes that intelligence is not fixed and can be developed with effort, and that failure is key to learning, are central tenants of our work with youth and adults.