In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.

The situation in which one feels bad for doing something which seems wrong, due to their inability to do the right, is called the Crisis of Conscience. A civil servant may face a crisis of conscience about policies or actions that he has been asked to carry out.

Emotional intelligence and Crisis of Conscience 

Emotional intelligence (EI) is most often defined as the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions. Such intelligent understanding of emotions can help in resolving the crisis of Conscience;

● EI helps in looking from a bird’s eye view. Looking at the larger picture helps in understanding the nuances which are not visible in the front picture. 

● EI brings with it Wisdom to understand the immediate and long-term consequences of decisions taken.

● Calm and creative decision making is possible with EI. Anger, frustration, or any other misleading feelings do not dominate decision making. 

● Fortitude comes with EI which inculcates Risk taking behaviour. We can bravely take decisions in public interest without fear of personal losses. 

● EI helps in managing not only one’s own emotions but also other’s emotions. Such understanding can resolve the conflicts through persuasion. Some examples:

• Public servants in Delhi designed a plan to relocate slum dwellers in planned and legal colonies. They saved themselves from the Crisis of Conscience by not using force and coercive slum demolition orders. 

 • Ashok Khemka with his fortitude continues to fight for his crusade against corruption despite multipler tansfers.

• Armstrong Pame constructed road to a village through crowdfunding, it resolved his crisis of Conscience that despite being at a position of power he is not able to help the villagers.

Emotional intelligence does help in conflict resolution and managing the crisis of Conscience. However, it is also equally important that all the stakeholders use their rationality and help in creating a robust system of ethical decision making.