Emotional intelligence skills key to navigating COVID-19 Given the current COVID era of anxiety, distress, stress and uncertainty, and based on empirical evidence that emotional intelligence (EI) predicts a range of positive outcomes in the workplace and in higher education, institutions may need to rely on their EI skills to navigate the challenges emanating from COVID-19. Emotional intelligence skills are essential to create a positive learning environment, especially in COVID-19 conditions. For the purpose of this article, I adapt the 1990 definition of Mayer and Salovey of EI as a person’s ability to understand their own emotions and the emotions of others and to act appropriately based on this understanding.