The Japaneserespectful bowing and the meticulous cleaning up of the spectators’ stands, as well as the players’  dressing up room, will long be remembered after all the racket about the World Cup 2018 subsides. The spectacular display of high emotional intelligence is truly something to write home about. How does an entire country agree to behave the same exemplary way when they are not even under any obligation to do so?  More still under such heavy emotions of devastating disappointment of loss, the ability to keep doing what one always does no matter what is truly exceptional sets them apart.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of one’s emotions and that of others. Emotional aptitude includes a wide range of aspects and these include, but are not limited to; self-knowledge, being able to put yourself in another person’s shoes and see things from their viewpoints. Another significant part is the ability to balance one’s emotions, not being too disinterested where there is need to show concern and also not displaying intense emotional reactions is a very crucial part of emotional intelligence.

Being able to keep yourself interested in whatever you believe in no what comes up is another sure indicator of high emotional intelligence. Finally, on our list today are the great interpersonal skills that one needs to display. A person with developed social skills is engaging to talk with as they do not think about only themselves and what they want to say, but they will go ahead and anticipate their audience, through processes and reactions and tailor-make the conversation to suit their audience’s needs.

Clearly some aspects of emotional intelligence can be taught, developed and practiced as a nation, not a simple task obviously, but with persistence and diligent instruction at home first, and then at schools nationwide, it can be accomplished. Practices like the general cleaning up, "umuganda”, not littering and lining up at bus stops are definitely strong indicators of a nation that is keenly aware about the needs of not only the individual but also that of the greater society around them.

The Japanese were clearly distressed about their loss, who wouldn’t be? But in spite of this, they continued to do what they always do best, respect the environment in which they experienced so much joy and now so much disappointment. Similarly, Rwanda should continue to do what it always does best regardless of the circumstances.