Part IV: Using the Results

Understanding the Results

Step 3: Interpret the Subscale Scores

The next level of interpretation is at the subscale level. While the Composite scale scores give a general indication of coping ability and present functioning, one can pinpoint specific strengths and weaknesses (which should be further explored through the debrief process) by examining the subscale scores. Subscales are the finest level of detail that you can see on the Profile Graph without getting into individual item responses (see Step 5, Interpret Item Responses).

Some characteristics to help you interpret each subscale score are shown below. Remember that the characteristics shown here are generalizations for lower and higher scores and are not a finite description of your client’s score. Take care to verify the characteristics listed here by examining the item level results after you have gained some comfort with the subscale scores and patterns on the Profile Graph.

	Lower Scores (<90)	Higher Scores (>110)
Self-Regard Respecting oneself; confidence	Uncertain of one’s abilities Lower self-confidence Lower motivation to achieve potential	Respects oneself, and believes in one’s own talents and strengths Well developed sense of identity Driven to achieve fullest potential
Self-Actualization Pursuit of meaning; self-improvement	May not make good use of strengths Focus is more on day to day tasks vs strategic, big picture plans May set lower personal goals	Appears to act with a greater purpose or plan On a quest of continual learning Self-motivated; sets inspiring goals
Emotional Self-Awareness Understanding own emotions	May not know why thoughts or feelings occur May struggle to label or define what one is feeling May appear detached from experiencing emotions	Can accurately label and describe one’s emotions Understands slight nuances between emotions Conscious of the impact emotions have on performance; gathers information from emotions
Emotional Expression Constructive expression of emotions	Uncomfortable expressing oneself through words, facial expressions or body language May appear withdrawn or uneasy in emotional situations Uses limited emotional vocabulary to express oneself	Comfortable expressing most if not all emotions Understands the benefits of emotional expression Uses a large emotional vocabulary to express oneself
Assertiveness Communicating feelings and beliefs; non-offensive	Passive, may keep thoughts and opinions to oneself May appear to be a team player although likely feels as if one’s voice is never heard May appear withdrawn or unable to articulate needs	Expresses thoughts and ideas without offending others Firm and direct when necessary Views his or her own rights and the rights of others as sacred; stands up for rights when necessary Pulls on emotions and convictions to take a definite stance
Independence Self-directed; free from emotional dependency	More of a follower than a leader Needs reassurance and support from others Relies heavily on others to make decisions; may skirt responsibility Prefers direction on how to do one’s job	Makes decisions on one’s own; emotionally independent from others Works without direction or reassurance from others Directive, decisive and accountable
Interpersonal Relationships Mutually satisfying relationships	Defensive, skeptical or closed to other people May not build bonds that include mutual give and take May be missing a network or resources to properly cope with demands Relationships may lack depth, trust or compassion	Invested in one’s relationships; maintains a healthy level of trust and compassion Sociable and generally fun to be with Builds authentic relationships and shares relevant information Has a network to draw on for support when faced with challenges
Empathy Understanding, appreciating how others feel	May struggle to understand how others feel May not recognize the impact one’s behavior has on others Insensitive to the needs of others Misreads/misinterprets others’ feelings	Aware of, and can appreciate the feelings of others Caring; compassionate Takes others into consideration before acting Reads people well
Social Responsibility Social consciousness; helpful	More an individualist than a collectivist More competitive than collaborative Cut off from social groups/issues May entertain antisocial attitudes	Interpersonally sensitive Co-operative; contributing and concerned about the welfare of others Upholds social rules/norms Concern for the greater good/team/community
Problem Solving Find solutions when emotions are involved	May be anxious or unable to get past the emotions involved in a problem May not draw information from emotions in order to solve problems Overwhelmed with the responsibility of making a decision Easily distracted by emotions	Understands how to use emotions to solve problems Maintains a clear focus on the problem at hand Chooses the best solution from among many options Focused demeanor
Reality Testing Objective; see things as they really are	May not validate thoughts/emotions against objective data Subjective; easily biased by emotions Sets unrealistic goals May see things the way one wishes they were and not what actually exists	Grounded; tuned-in to the situation at hand Objective Verifies one’s thoughts/emotions against other data Makes sensible decisions; sets realistic goals
Impulse Control Resist or delay impulse to act	Impulsive, impatient Overactive Uses an act now, think later approach to making decisions May respond in unpredictable ways to own emotions	Composed; calculative Deliberate; surveys a situation before acting Patient and calm; predictable behavior Avoids rash decision making Resists the emotional pressure to act
Flexibility Adapting emotions, thoughts and behaviors	Values tradition; uneasy with change Rigidity in thinking and behavior May be against change in general, or change in oneself May be unable to deal with the emotions associated with change	Open to change; views change as refreshing and necessary Compliant attitude; adaptable Rolls with the punches May be bored with the status quo
Stress Tolerance Coping with stressful situations	Emotions may get in the way of coping with stress Less tolerant of stress May experience tension, anxiety, poor concentration, physiological symptoms or feelings of hopelessness when faced with stress	Uses a variety of coping strategies to deal with stress Stays calm under pressure Manages emotions under stress Resilient and able to remain composed when times get tough
Optimism Positive attitude and outlook on life	May hold cynical or negative views of the world Expects and plans for the worst Sets goals that are likely to be conservative May hold defeatist attitudes; less resilient in the face of adversity	Views the world in a positive light Believes in oneself and others; sees the good in most things Inspiring Can see the light at the end of the tunnel and perseveres
Happiness Content; enjoys life	May currently be unhappy or not excited about one’s life Has difficulty enjoying life Withdrawn from social situations or friends Dispirited; worries a lot EI strengths in other areas may be dampened by one’s unhappiness; others are unlikely to see strengths through a cloak of dissatisfaction	Satisfied with life Pleasant to be around Spirited and enthusiastic about life in general Displays a healthy level of well-being EI strengths in other areas may be amplified by one’s happiness and satisfaction with life.

Dealing with Extreme EI Profiles

Consistently high or low scores across all subscales can be due to a response style that is overly positive or overly negative. Check the Positive and Negative Impression indices on the Response Style Explained page in the Coach’s report to determine if there are any validity concerns. Also, if all scores are very low, it is a good practice to confirm that the EQ-i 2.0 was taken in a language that the client understood. If neither of the impression indexes are flagged and the language was appropriate you may want to return to the profile graph and look for areas of relative strength or weakness. Even subscales that vary by a couple of points from one another may be interesting enough to warrant further exploration with the client.

High scoring subscales often need to be balanced by other subscales so that these behaviors are not overused. For example, one can imagine that having extremely high Assertiveness without the balancing effect of high Empathy could lead to an individual being perceived as aggressive, pushy or hostile. It is important to look for balance within your client’s profile, which is the next step in the interpretation sequence.