Emotional intelligence refers to ability to perceive and regulate one's emotional experiences and to identify, interpret and react to other people's emotional responses in an appropriate manner. Consequently, Jerry's lack of emotional intelligence makes him unable to recognize and understand his own feelings as well as the feelings and reactions of the people who work with him.
In his comment beginning with "you had a bunch of guys about to turn blue here," the mission control speaker is alluding to their fear that the mission had failed.
