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What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is the name given to a collection of capabilities that enable us to recognise and manage emotions in ourselves and in other people. Some of the many capabilities included are: self-awareness,; self-control, empathy and collaboration.

Can Emotional Intelligence be measured?

Yes, Emotional Intelligence can be measured in a number of ways. There are validated self-reports and tests of ability that have been around since the late 1990s. There are also many tests available that have not been validated so it is worth researching the topic to find the best ones.

Why is Emotional Intelligence important?

All capabilities are important but some take on special significance in certain contexts. Emotional Intelligence is important in dealing with relationships, whether these are personal or professional. Self-knowledge and emotional dexterity make it easier for the individual to respond appropriately to the needs of others.

What does Emotional Intelligence have to do with the caring sector?

Many people who receive care have difficulties in articulating and communicating their needs. This can be due to sensory deficits in hearing or sight or perhaps because of temporary or long term confusion. It is crucial that vulnerable individuals are cared for by people who are receptive and responsive and this is more likely if the person is high in Emotional Intelligence. 

Can Emotional Intelligence be improved?

It appears as though Emotional Intelligence can be improved by the individual becoming more self-aware and also through reflection. There are exercises that can facilitate this. It is possible that we all have an upper limit, sometimes referred to as ‘potential’ and it also seems likely than some individuals have much greater potential than others.

What is the Rankein Scale?

The Rankein Scale is a measure of Emotional Intelligence that relates to the caring sector. Unlike most measurement tools which examine general Emotional Intelligence, the Rankein Scale focusses entirely on issues that are specific to caring scenarios. This allows the score to be targeted and enables the test to be completed in a short timeScale with immediate results. 

What makes the Rankein Scale special?

The Rankein Scale is unique in a number of ways. It is based on research in the caring sector which demonstrated a significant correlation between Emotional Intelligence and the quality of care provided by student nurses. The Scale is available to individuals who seek to pursue employment in the caring sector and it also provides a valid selection too for employers who are looking to appoint the best candidates. The Scale is quick to complete and there is an immediate score and report generated for each completed Scale. The Rankein Scale also compares the candidate’s own perception of their skills with their actual performance and this helps to validate the results.

How long does the Rankein Scale take to complete?

The Scale is normally completed in less than ten minutes.

How will I know my score on the Rankein Scale?

If you purchase the Scale, you will be issued with a score and a personal report on completion of the questionnaire. There will be scores for each section plus an overall score and you will have the opportunity to compare your scores to national average results. A report will be generated that can be downloaded and retained in your CV. This report will explain the significance of the result and offer suggestions on how to improve future scores if required. If the Scale is offered to you by a prospective employer, they will have access to your results and the report and it will be their responsibility to share this with you.

As an employer, how do I obtain the scores for each candidate?

If you wish to test prospective or existing employees, you would buy a licence for each test and this would provide you with access to each result and each individual report for all of the candidates. The report provides information on what the score signifies. Information is also available on how to manage existing employees who have lower than average scores. It is up to you as the licence holder whether you chose to share any or all of this information with the candidates. 

What does the Rankein Scale score mean?

The scores are compared to average scores that have been collated over the development phase of the Scale. You would hope to achieve average or above in each category. The Scale is not about passing or failing, it is meant to provide an impression of where each individual is with regard to their Emotional Intelligence. The results should be regarded in context with other selection processes and should be used to help in the decision making process. In the absence of extenuating circumstances, a below average score should be regarded as a cause for concern.

How will the Rankein Scale help me to apply for a job?

The score and the overall report can be presented to prospective employers to support your application. The report will also tell you what could be done to improve your score if necessary. Most employers would be positive towards a candidate who was seeking to demonstrate that they have good levels of Emotional Intelligence. The experience of completing the Scale will also help to prime you for some of the potential questions and answers that may arise at interview and, in this sense, it is useful preparation for the interview process.

How will the Rankein Scale help me to appoint suitable candidates?

Most selection processes have risks and we know that interviews, references and questionnaires are not always reliable when it comes to the individual’s ability to do the job. Even a trial period can be misleading. The Rankein Scale is designed to assess specific capabilities that have been correlated with quality of care. The Scale is convenient to apply and provides immediate information on the candidate. The Scale matches the candidate’s own impression of their skills with their actual ability and this enables you to judge their honesty as well as their suitability. The scores and the report will help you to make a decision regarding the candidate with greater confidence. A number of candidates can be tested simultaneously, enabling you to select the best. The Scale is not meant to replace interviews or references and it should be used as part of a robust selection process.

What guarantees do I have that the Rankein Scale score is accurate?

The Rankein Scale is based on robust research that correlated Emotional Intelligence with the quality of clinical care. The self-report element of the Scale is matched to the actual ability element to increase reliability. It is, therefore, almost impossible for the candidate to deliberately present a false picture. It is possible that the person completing the Scale may have problems with language or may be nervous and it is important that any prospective employer recognises this. The Scale meets the requirements for diversity and equality.

How much does it cost to complete the Rankein Scale?

Individual tests cost £45. This will provide you with a set of scores as well as an individual report that can be used for job applications. Those purchasing two or more tests will be charged £35 per test. There is no limit to the number of tests that can be purchased.

Can I attempt the Rankein Scale more than once?

Yes but you would have to purchase each subsequent test.

What do I receive once the Rankein Scale has been completed?

If you are an individual user, you will receive your scores and a report on your performance that can be downloaded and retained in your CV. This will be generated immediately on completion of the test.

Employers who purchase licences to test candidates will receive the scores for each candidate as well as individual reports. These will be accessible on completion of each test. The employer will be responsible for sharing this information with each candidate.

Will my details be stored anywhere?

Email addresses will be retained and may be used for follow up communication but no information will be shared with any other organisation. Scores will be anonymised and used for statistical purposes. If you choose not to have any further communication, you can request to have your contact details deleted.