Developing Emotional Intelligence
The term “emotional intelligence" was first used in 1990, and it is commonly described as, the ability to perceive, evaluate, and manage emotions in others and ourselves. Many experts consider it to be a better predictor of success than IQ. Your ability to manage yourself and others may depend on your emotional intelligence.Here are some techniques to develop and increase emotional intelligence:
Accept responsibility for your emotions and actions. Outside influences don’t have to determine your emotions and behavior. You can choose to view things from a different perspective, and choose how you’ll respond.
Develop listening skills. If you can focus 100% on the person you’re interacting with, you’ll be in a better position to notice and evaluate more than just their words but also what they’re thinking and feeling. Learn to pay attention and listen. Too many people are planning on what they are going to say next, that they are not truly listening.
Develop self-awareness. Few of us monitor our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Ask yourself what you’re feeling and why you are feeling a certain way. Is the way you feel, negatively affecting your choices? Are you intelligently choosing your behaviors, or are you letting others to push your buttons? Are you able to receive feedback from others without becoming defensive? Take an assessment, like our DISC assessment to gain deeper insight into your behavioral preferences. http://bit.ly/getDISC
Learn to effectively control your impulses. Impulsiveness causes personal turmoil. We feel bad, so we order a pizza even we know a salad would be better for us. We grab a credit card and purchase something unnecessary because we have had a bad day. This type of behavior moves us further away from our objectives. Take note of counterproductive behaviors, then make more effective choices. Achieving success and happiness can be challenging its own. Don't make it more difficult by sabotaging yourself. Remember, you have control over your emotions and impulses, even though it is often extremely difficult and challenging. If you didn't catch our blog post on Managing Your Emotional Triggers be sure to check it out. http://bit.ly/2XWjDvL
Focus on others. Volunteer at a local non-profit, or help a friend or neighbor. Spending time helping others, helps you to gain perspective and need increases your sensitivity.
Shift from reactive to proactive. When we react to people and situations rather than being thoughtful, deliberate and intentions that often indicates that we may be functioning at a lower level of emotional intelligence. Being proactive or intentional in our response requires thought and consideration, because you’re making a decision. Reacting is more of an emotional reflex, often with no thought involved.
Work on increasing empathy. As your level of emotional intelligence grows you will become more skilled at recognizing and relating to the behavior and emotions of others. When you begin to recognize patterns of behaviors and emotions in others you can focus on responding to them more effectively. This ability increases your empathy and you can begin to put yourself in their shoes and respond in ways that are most helpful and supportive. Ask yourself how you would like to be treated if you felt the same emotions.
Manage your emotions. Place emphasis on finding solutions. Refrain from getting angry or defensive. Make intelligent decisions, and view yourself objectively.
Emotional intelligence is an important component of healthy relationships, both at home and work. Your life will be more successful if you effectively learn to manage the emotions of yourself and others. The ability to avoid or de-escalate interpersonal conflict is a valuable skill.
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