Writing with Heart: Why Emotional Intelligence is the Key to Success in the Age of AI

Welcome to the captivating world of Post-AI Writing, where our emotional intelligence (EI) takes center stage as the ultimate superpower that sets us apart from artificial intelligence (AI).

We are all impressed with the intelligence and speed with which these Large Language Models like ChatGPT spit out text or summarize an article. So, while there's no doubt AI can generate content and hold conversations, it does have a few glaring weaknesses. Some of which it may never be able to overcome.

Most glaringly, it falls short in understanding and harnessing emotions. As writers, our ability to connect on an emotional level ensures our continued relevance in an AI-driven world. But how can we human writers, who are just trying to make a living, exploit that?

This is precisely why I want to emphasize the extraordinary realm of emotional intelligence, and how it empowers us to create more impactful and meaningful writing than any AI.

When Daniel Goleman coined the term "emotional intelligence" back in 1995, he challenged the conventional belief that success was solely determined by IQ. According to Goleman, emotional intelligence may even play a more significant role than traditional "book-smarts."

But what is Emotional Intelligence? Goleman thought of it as encompassing 4 Main Areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management. As writers, these domains become our guiding principles, enabling us to weave captivating narratives that resonate deeply with readers.

But why does Emotional Intelligence matter so much for Writers?

The primary potency of the written word remains its power to evoke emotions. And that's precisely where our unique advantage lies. While AI can generate well-structured prose, it lacks the ability to truly touch hearts and minds.

Imagine, for example, writing about car mechanics when one has never turned a wrench! Without understanding the passion that drives the gearhead how are we to appeal to them? Our emotional intelligence allows us to tap into those passions, crafting stories that ignite that special spark of connection with readers. It's the magic ingredient-- the Super-Power-- that makes our writing spring to life!

So, how are we to enhance this Emotional Intelligence, giving ourselves even more of an edge over AI? To do this we can take deliberate steps, such as:

1. Being self-aware enough to reflect upon the emotions behind the stories we tell, understanding how they influence our writing and impact the reader.
2. Ironically, managing our emotions is another way to maximize the writing process. By keeping frustration from derailing our progress and creativity, we stay on track.
3. However, the most potent weapon in the human writer's arsenal is undoubtedly empathy! By being able to effectively step into the shoes of our readers, embracing diverse perspectives, and connecting with their emotions even when they differ from our own, we have an explosive way to outperform any AI!
4. Engaging the art of storytelling is another uniquely human element. To master the art of storytelling, we strategically question the reader, actively evoking their emotions to create a truly memorable experience.
5. Relationships, on the human-to-human level, will always remain the backbone of any business. Strengthening these relationships by considering the needs and perspectives of editors, colleagues, and clients, is a way of using our Emotional Intelligence to solidify our place in these collaborations.

In conclusion, while AI is a valuable tool, it can never replace the imagination, creativity, and emotional intelligence of human writers. Our personal experiences, memories, and feelings infuse our writing with authenticity and resonance. AI is only as good as the person prompting it. It lacks that rich tapestry of life events and emotions that make us uniquely human. Thus, AI is incapable of replicating the depth of our shared human experience. Quality writing will always require the human touch, and our EI Super-Power ensures that skilled writers will continue to bring value, captivate readers, and create such meaningful connections.

Therefore, let us celebrate our unique strengths as human beings, while viewing AI as an excellent assistant. This allows us to enhance what we alone can bring to the table, assuring our success and longevity. With our EI Super-Power as the driving force, skilled writers will always find a place in the ever-evolving world of words.