Emotional intelligence

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient or EQ, revolves around comprehending, utilising, and managing one's own emotions in positive ways. It aids in alleviating stress, communicating effectively, empathising with others, overcoming challenges, and defusing conflicts. Possessing emotional intelligence enables you to foster stronger relationships, excel academically and professionally, and accomplish your personal and career objectives. It also assists in connecting with your emotions, transforming intentions into action, and making well-informed decisions regarding what truly matters to you.

Emotional intelligence attributes

  1. Self-management: This entails the ability to control impulsive feelings and behaviours, manage emotions in a healthy manner, take initiative, honour commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances.
  2. Self-awareness: It involves recognising one's own emotions and understanding how they impact thoughts and behaviours. You possess a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and exude self-confidence.
  3. Social awareness: This aspect focuses on empathy. You can comprehend the emotions, needs, and concerns of others, pick up on emotional cues, feel at ease in social settings, and recognise power dynamics within groups or organisations.
  4. Relationship management: This involves knowing how to cultivate and sustain positive relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, collaborate effectively in teams, and manage conflicts.

Why is EQ important?

  1. Individuals with high emotional intelligence (EQ) are self-aware, openly expressive, and effectively manage their responses.
  2. They have a clear understanding of their goals, what motivates them, and their values.
  3. They remain calm in challenging situations by recognising and regulating their emotions.
  4. They can decode their emotions, redirecting them when necessary for more appropriate and beneficial responses.
  5. People with high EQ have a greater chance of reducing anxiety by understanding its causes and signs and taking effective action.
  6. They excel in building authentic and rewarding relationships by actively listening, empathising, and noticing subtle cues.
  7. Individuals with high EQ embrace feedback, learn from mistakes, and use criticism as an opportunity for personal growth.
  8. They prioritise the voice of their heart over their ego's demands.
  9. They recognise that asking for help is a sign of wisdom and empowerment, not weakness.
  10. People with high EQ focus on their intended impact and practice empathy and compassionate accountability.
  11. They approach situations with curiosity, avoid assumptions, and maintain a growth mindset.
  12. They replace personal judgments with curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
  13. Individuals with high EQ shift their focus to what they can control rather than wasting energy on matters beyond their influence.