Although "regular" intelligence is important for life success, emotional intelligence is essential for relating well to others and achieving your goals. Many people believe it is at least as important as IQ, and many companies now use emotional intelligence testing to hire new employees.
Emotional intelligence is the awareness of one's own actions and feelings, as well as how they affect those around them. It also implies that you value others, pay attention to their wants and needs, and can empathise or identify with them on a variety of levels.
Each of us has a unique personality, as well as varied needs and desires and emotional expression styles. It requires tact and cleverness to get through all of this, especially if we want to thrive in life. Emotional intelligence is crucial in this situation.
Most of the time, those with strong emotional intelligence are successful in their endeavours. Why? They are the ones that other teams want on their team. Emails sent by someone with strong emotional intelligence are responded almost all the time. They receive help when they ask for it. They navigate life far more effortlessly because they make others feel good and people want to be with them.
Characterstics of Emotional IntelligenceAmerican psychologist Daniel Goleman created a framework of five components that describe emotional intelligence in his 1995 book "Emotional Intelligence - Why It Can Matter More Than IQ":
1. Self Awareness- High emotional intelligence individuals are usually very self-aware. They are aware of their emotions, and as a result, they don't allow them to control them. They are self-assured because they rely on their intuition and restrain their emotions.
They are also prepared to look honestly in the mirror. They are aware of their talents and flaws and try to improve in these areas. This self-awareness, in the opinion of many, is the most crucial component of emotional intelligence.
2. Self-Regulation - The ability to control one's emotions and impulses. People who self-regulate do not allow themselves to become overly angry or jealous, and they do not make rash or careless decisions. They deliberate before acting. Self-regulation characteristics include thoughtfulness, comfort with change, integrity, and the ability to say no.
3. Motivation - People with high emotional intelligence are typically motivated. They are willing to postpone immediate results in order to achieve long-term success. They are extremely productive, enjoy a challenge, and are extremely effective at whatever they do.
4. Empathy - This is possibly the most important aspect of emotional intelligence. Empathy is the ability to identify with and comprehend the desires, needs, and points of view of those around you. Empathetic people are skilled at recognising the feelings of others, even when those feelings are not obvious. As a result, empathetic people are usually very good at relationship management, listening, and relating to others. They avoid stereotyping and quick judgement, and they live their lives in a very open, honest manner.
5. Social Skills – It's usually easy to talk to and like people with good social skills, another sign of high emotional intelligence. Those with strong social skills are typically team players. Rather than focus on their own success first, they help others develop and shine. They can manage disputes, are excellent communicators, and are masters at building and maintaining relationships.
How to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence can be acquired and learned, which is good news. Utilize the following tactics when enhancing your abilities in the five mentioned areas:
*Observe how you react. Do you make snap decisions before you have all of the facts? Do you have any stereotypes? Examine your thinking and interactions with others. Put yourself in their shoes and be more open and accepting of their points of view and needs.
*Observe your work environment. Do you seek recognition for your accomplishments? Humility can be a wonderful quality, and it does not imply that you are shy or lack self-confidence. When you practise humility, you say that you know what you did and can be quietly confident about it. Allow others to shine; focus on them rather than on yourself.
*Conduct a self-evaluation. What are your shortcomings? Are you willing to admit that you aren't perfect and that you could improve in some areas to become a better person? Have the courage to take an honest look at yourself; it could change your life.
*Examine your reaction to stressful situations. Do you get upset every time there's a delay or something doesn't go as planned? Do you blame or become enraged at others, even when it is not their fault? The ability to remain calm and in control in stressful situations is highly valued both in and out of the workplace. When things go wrong, keep your emotions under control.
*Accept accountability for your actions. If you have hurt someone's feelings, apologise directly rather than ignoring what you have done or avoiding the person. When you make an honest attempt to make things right, people are usually more willing to forgive and forget.
*Before you act, think about how your actions will affect others. Put yourself in the shoes of others if your decision will have an impact on them. What will their reaction be if you do this? Would you like to have that experience? If you must act, how can you assist others in dealing with the consequences?
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