Lexicon

Definition of social intelligence

Social intelligence refers to the ability to read, understand and interact effectively with others in a variety of social contexts. It goes beyond mere politeness or sociability: it involves a fine-tuned perception of group dynamics, individual motivations, unspoken signals and the implicit codes that govern human relationships.

A concept introduced by psychologist Edward Thorndike as early as 1920, social intelligence is today recognized as an essential component of soft skills in the workplace. It is closely linked to emotional intelligence, but differs in its orientation toward collective social interactions rather than solely individual emotional management.

Definition of conflict management

Conflict management encompasses the skills, methods and attitudes that allow individuals to handle disagreements, tensions and oppositions constructively. It aims not only to resolve conflicts when they arise, but also to prevent their escalation and, in some cases, to transform disagreement into a lever for innovation and progress.

In a professional context, conflicts are inevitable — they emerge from differences in opinion, values, interests or working styles. What distinguishes high-performing teams is not the absence of conflict, but their ability to navigate it in a healthy and productive way.

Definition of assertiveness

Assertiveness is the ability to stand up for oneself — to express ideas, needs and boundaries — clearly, directly and respectfully, towards both oneself and others. It sits between two extremes: passivity, which means stepping back at the expense of one’s own needs, and aggression, which imposes one’s needs at the expense of others.

In a professional context, assertiveness is a key skill for maintaining healthy working relationships, expressing disagreement constructively, making requests clearly and defending one’s rights without creating unnecessary tension.

Definition of active listening

Active listening is a communication skill that involves paying full attention to one’s interlocutor — not only to their words, but also to their emotions, posture and the context of their message. It requires suspending one’s own judgment and pre-prepared responses in order to focus entirely on what the other person is expressing.

Unlike passive listening — where one hears without truly processing what is said — active listening is a dynamic process that engages emotional intelligence, curiosity and a genuine willingness to understand rather than simply respond.

Communication is one of the most fundamental behavioral skills in the workplace. Whether verbal, written or non-verbal, it shapes the quality of relationships, decision-making and collective team performance.

Definition of communication

Communication is the exchange of information through signs, symbols and systems such as language. Successful communication means finding a way to convey a message in the most comprehensible and receivable way possible.

For example, a phone call and an e-mail may convey the same message, but be received differently. Indeed, the result varies according to each person’s preferences in terms of interaction and information processing.

Beliefs are among the most powerful psychological drivers of human behavior in the workplace. Often invisible and deeply rooted, they influence how individuals perceive challenges, respond to feedback and assess their own potential. Understanding and transforming beliefs is a cornerstone of professional development and coaching.

Definition of a belief

A belief is a mental representation — conscious or unconscious — that an individual holds to be true. It acts as a filter through which every experience is interpreted. Beliefs are not necessarily facts: they are subjective convictions shaped by personal history, education, culture and past experiences.