A key idea that stood out is the necessity of authenticity within this integration. To genuinely apply our EI skills, we must first be authentic—that is, acting in ways that are consistent with our true feelings, values, and personality. Without authenticity, our empathy can feel forced, our self-regulation might be unsustainable, and our social skills can come across as manipulative rather than genuine. The ability to be vulnerable and transparent is a prerequisite for effectively integrating all our intelligences.
