Emotional Intelligence in the workplace.

Emotional intelligence - I’ve been thinking a lot about it, and have to say… what took me so long?

At a basic level, emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in ourselves and others, and the ability to use this awareness to manage our behavior and relationships.

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I know it sounds pretty obvious but honestly, sometimes it isn’t the easiest! I’ve been there, where I feel like I’ve let my emotions get the better of me and trust me, it’s not cute. Over time though, you just start to acknowledge when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed and you’ll start developing your own coping mechanisms to deal.

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For example; if I’m ever feeling panicked or anxious for whatever reason, I always remove myself from that current situation (where possible haha). It’s good to take some space so that you can identify exactly what is making you feel this way - is it a specific task? A certain project? A convo with someone? Once you do figure out what ‘it’ is .. then put together an attack plan in order to solve this.

I had a funny experience yesterday where I felt I was been suppressed but after I took sometime to realize it, I got hold of my already fleeting emotion.
Emotional intelligence also includes the ability to read the emotions of others. This skill is crucial at work because you interact with diverse individuals from various backgrounds and minds.

I’ve found that when I take the time to get into someone else’s shoes I can communicate better and build a stronger relationship. It’s not always easy but it’s worth it in the end.

In fact research has shown emotional intelligence is a key predictor of success in both personal and professional life. When you have high emotional intelligence you can navigate complex social situations, build stronger relationships and achieve your goals.

So how do you develop your emotional intelligence? For me it’s about practicing self awareness and self regulation. I try to take time each day to reflect on my emotions and think about how I can manage them in a healthy way.

I also try to be more mindful in my interactions with others. I ask questions, listen actively and try to get into their shoes.

Also I’ve found seeking feedback from others can be super helpful in developing emotional intelligence. By asking for feedback and being open to constructive criticism I’ve been able to identify areas I need to improve and work on my skills.

Finally I think it’s important to remember emotional intelligence is not something you either have or you don’t - it can be developed and improved over time with practice and effort.

That is, emotional intelligence is a tool that enables you to use all your other skills more effectively. Indeed, studies have shown that people with high emotional intelligence are consistently the top performers in their organizations. And unlike your IQ, your EQ is highly malleable. So even if you aren't born with it, you can develop it.