In fact, one study examining emotional intelligence found that it is a strong predictor of performance; those who have a high level of emotional intelligence are more likely to stay calm in stressful situations, resolve conflict and respond with empathy.
Without the ability to understand and manage your emotions, it becomes harder to communicate with others who have complex emotional needs of their own. Fortunately, there are simple ways to cultivate emotional intelligence and become more self-aware.
What is emotional intelligence?
The term emotional intelligence, which can be defined as the merger of emotion and cognitive thinking, has been around for almost three decades. It was first coined by researchers who decided to classify emotional intelligence as an ability to embrace four core competencies:1. Self-awareness
Someone who is self-aware is someone who understands their own emotions; they know what they are feeling and why. They also have a good idea of their strengths and limitations. Above all, they know what they value and have a sense of purpose that gets them out of bed every morning.
2. Self-management
Someone who has the quality of self-management can adjust and modify their behavior to coincide with their feelings so that their emotions don’t control them. Effective self-management also includes the ability to manage your impulses.
3. Social awareness
Someone is socially aware is tuned in to what is happening around them. They can focus on other people – not themselves – and can read nonverbal clues to pick up what someone else is feeling.
4. Relationship management
Someone who can effectively manage relationships is likely emotionally intelligent. This means being able to connect with others so that they feel supported and understood. For a leader, it’s vital to negotiating, resolving conflict and working toward a common goal.
Succeeding at work with emotional intelligence
Professionals who demonstrate emotional intelligence have traits that are essential to succeeding at work, such as staying calm under pressure, making thoughtful decisions, taking criticism and resolving conflict. Having a basic understanding of what’s happening inside others’ heads (and inside your own head, too) can also lead to better decision-making.How to test and improve your emotional intelligence
Wondering if you have emotional intelligence? Here are some things to think about and a few ways to put emotional intelligence to work. Through practice, you can increase your ability to be self-reflective and become more socially aware.Practice your listening skills. Listening will help you better understand the needs and emotions of others. By repeating back to your client what they’ve said in your own words, they will know that you’ve heard them.
Pay attention to body language. So much of communication is nonverbal. If your client is sitting with their arms crossed, for example, this might suggest that they’re not feeling receptive.
Apologize. When someone is unhappy, an apology can go a long way toward repairing hurt feelings. Apologizing is a kind acknowledgement of unintentional wrongdoing, and builds trust and respect.
Put yourself in their shoes. Always consider others’ needs and emotions, and ask questions to try and understand what they’re thinking and feeling. You might be surprised at what you learn.
Success at work requires industry knowledge and skill, but it also requires emotional intelligence. If you want to build a strong team where others feel seen and heard, consider investing in emotional intelligence. It will help you more effectively engage with your coworkers and build your own communication skills.
Want to know more about how you can grow your professional mindset? Learn how to be more innovative at work.
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