5 Ways To Boost Your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence or EQ is one of the greatest indicators of success in business and continues to be one of the most in-demand skills to have in the professional world. EQ is not just having the ability to identify and manage your own emotions, but it’s also the ability to be able to recognize other people’s emotions.
Lots of people always wonder why emotional intelligence continues to be of high importance among colleagues in an evolving workplace. Simply put, emotional intelligence is not a trend.
Major companies have conducted research that proves that employees with emotional intelligence undoubtedly affect the bottom line. For example, a study by Johnson & Johnson showed that those that displayed higher emotional intelligence were the highest performers in the workforce.
According to a study conducted by Talent Smart, 90% of high-flying employees in the workplace possess high EQ, while 80% of low performers have low EQ. To cut it short, your emotional intelligence is very important.
In fact, businesses with workers that have increased levels of emotional intelligence see a major boost in total sales and productivity.
In a workplace that is competitive, developing your EQ skills is critical to your success in a professional capacity.
A Breakdown Of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence can be categorized under four primary skill sets, namely: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.
Self-awareness: This is being aware of your own emotions, from moment to moment, and knowing how your emotions impact your thoughts and behavioral choices.
Self-management: This is being able to shift, control, and consciously relegate your emotions when need be.
Social awareness: This is being aware of the emotional realities of others.
Relationship management: This is knowing how to develop, nurture and maintain healthy personal, cordial relationships with others
Below are five things that you can imbibe to raise your emotional intelligence:
1 | Stay Cool
Researchers from Italy found that body changes such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure are very good indicators of stress, which can have an impact on how we deal with problematic situations.
Before you lose your temper, go outside to receive some fresh air, or take a bathroom break and pour cold water on your face. Don’t let the stressors get the best of you.
2 | Show Empathy And Put Yourself In People’s Shoes
People can be very problematic sometimes and a huge source of stress. Think about it: What fuels your negative emotional outbursts? Most times, it’s the opinions, judgments, requests, and demands of others.
When a colleague, supervisor, investor, or even rival annoys you, try to look at the situation from the angle of the other person.
Look at it from all perspectives. Is there a possibility that you’re reading more into the situation than there is, or that his or her intent might be different from your understanding of it? Relax, put yourself in their shoes, and think about the person’s possible motivations before reacting.
3 | Have Alternative Plans
Today, in Psychology, emotional intelligence is defined as “the skill to recognize and manage your emotions and the emotions of other people.” How well would you be able to control your emotions if you’re never ready for the next thing?
Being reactive instead of proactive is a recipe for emotional outbursts. Instead, start predicting potential outcomes each time you make a decision, even if some seem like you overthinking it.
Think about how you’ll react to each one, so you’re not completely caught unawares. You’ll eventually find that even if the result isn’t one you predicted, you’re better equipped to handle each one and think on the go!
“Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the mouth.”
4 | Be Definitive
Challenging and trying to change your bad habits is important for developing your emotional intelligence. Do you see yourself always using passive language subconsciously to hedge your bets and be on the safe side? (The form was completed by … New policies were introduced … etc.) Passive language is fundamentally weak, whether in writing or verbal; in fact, passive voice literally means narrating the story of what has happened to you.
Do things just happen to you, or are you one of those who actually make things happen? To show off your emotional intelligence, focus on highlighting the things already completed. For example; I completed the form, our company introduced new policies. No matter what, take ownership and show clients, investors, and the world your emotional intelligence.
5 | Practice Your Emotional Intelligence On Others
Psychology Today defines one important aspect of emotional intelligence as the ability to influence the emotions of others. When a co-worker comes to you in a stressed-out, panicked state, are you calming and reassuring, or is he or she more incensed when you’re done?
Whether in close, personal relationships, professional relationships, or interactions with strangers, how you relate with and influence others says a lot about your emotional intelligence. Always try to leave each person you interact with in a better state than they were before you met them.
Raising Your Emotional Intelligence Is A Gradual Process
Emotional intelligence is a very important skill that cuts across all aspects of your personal and professional life. In essence, this all comes down to mindfulness. Building your emotional intelligence is dependent on you taking a step back, and gradually becoming more aware of yourself and others.
Have patience with yourself. You have to be patient with yourself during the learning process as we were never taught this stuff in a conventional school, and building higher emotional intelligence is a process that takes a lifetime.
To Wrap It Up
As you can see, there are many ways you can begin to boost, or improve, your EQ. Doing so will not only increase your opportunities for success in the workplace; it will benefit you in both your personal and professional relationships.
Ultimately, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) requires you understanding yourself and others, effectively interacting and building relationships with others, and then using those skills to strengthen your personal and professional relationships.
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