The emotionally intelligent are aware of their emotions, including those that may not be positive. They can recognize and understand feelings such as anger, fear, jealousy, and sadness. Being able to label these emotions allows them to control them better. Emotionally intelligent people also know how to express themselves effectively. They are confident in who they are and what they believe in.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the ability for individuals to understand and control their own emotions as well as understand the emotions of those around them. Having a high degree of emotional intelligence means that you’re able to identify your feelings and emotions, and understand how they impact you and people around you.
Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important?
Emotional Intelligence is one of the key skills needed to succeed in today's workplace. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of developing their staff's EQ and are investing heavily in training programmes to help develop this important skill. Research shows that those who possess higher levels of EQ are more successful in their careers and enjoy greater job satisfaction.
“Emotional intelligence is a way of recognizing, understanding, and choosing how we think, feel, and act. It shapes our interactions with others and our understanding of ourselves. It defines how and what we learn; it allows us to set priorities; it determines the majority of our daily actions. Research suggests it is responsible for as much as 80 percent of the “success” in our lives.”
Joshua Freedman
How To Improve Emotional Intelligence?
Becoming more emotionally conscious allows to grow and gain a deeper understanding of who we are, enabling us to communicate better with others and build stronger relationships.
We suggest starting with 6 tips to improve your emotional intelligence, which are a good starting point:
- Observe your feelings.
- Pay attention to how you behave.
- Question your opinions.
- Take responsibility for your feelings.
- Take time to celebrate the positive.
- Breathe.
Final Thought
Remember that every situation, experience, and interaction is an opportunity to practice your emotional intelligence and improve upon it. Start observing your emotions and analyze how your behavior affects others today, and you'll already be on your way towards improving your EQ skills.