Emotions matter. What we do with our emotions is especially important. When perceived accurately and regulated effectively, emotions help us to focus on important tasks, make effective decisions, enjoy healthy relationships, and manage life's ups and downs.

In this presentation from the 2013 Yale Presidential Inauguration Symposia, Professor Brackett, Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, will describe the theory of emotional intelligence developed at Yale under President Salovey's direction and share his decades of research on the relationship between emotional intelligence and important life outcomes. He also will discuss "RULER" the Center's evidencebased approach to teaching emotional intelligence in school systems, which has been shown to increase academic performance, decrease bullying, and enhance school climates. Finally, he'll discuss how creating emotionally intelligent communities can help us to build a more happy, healthy, productive, and compassionate society.