Emotional Quotient or Intelligence (EQ or EI) is a fundamental resource to fuel success in our personal and professional lives. The ability to perceive and understand emotions of our own and that of others, to manage and steer these emotions in a productive way measures our EQ.
Why EQ is important
The conscious development of EQ leads to an improvement in efficiency and performance skills. In the workplace scenario, this could translate to improved soft skills, leadership qualities, perseverance, and reduction of stress. It is, therefore, necessary to practice and develop EQ professionally, to perform better with and within a team both by adapting and influencing.
EQ evolves significantly in direct proportion to our desires to grow and learn. Engaging and navigating others is a key skill to possess in the workplace to be counted among the top performers.
Ways to increase EQ
There are some definitive steps and practices that increase mindfulness and develop your EQ. Here are some useful pointers.
1. Manage the negative emotions
This is the most important aspect of EQ where you observe your own negative emotions, analyze them and consciously work towards debilitating them. If left unchecked, negative emotions tend to cloud our judgment and bring down morale. Observing your negative feelings will help you avoid personalizing others and misunderstanding them.
2. Try to remain calm
Stress is part of everyday life. The trick is to remain cool even in adverse situations so that your attitude is not ‘reactive’ all the time. Also, situations and emotions are analyzed better when you are calm and composed.
3. Take responsibility for reactions
Your reactions are your responsibility, stemming from your perception of any situation. The moment you take responsibility for your own feelings and behavior, the positive impact on your life will be clearly visible.
4. Cultivate empathy
The ability to understand the basis of people’s feeling and behavior, and communicating this very understanding of that person is empathy. This practice improves EQ greatly. It also is a precursor to creating a positive environment. Besides, empathy will help you to respond rather than react.
5. Periodic self-evaluation
The willingness to accept that you are not perfect is a key step towards improvement. If you can courageously look at your own emotional weaknesses and honestly work to make yourselves a better person, not only will your EQ develop but your life will change for the better.
6. Constant progress
Developing EQ is a lifetime process and is based on consistent practice. Become fluent in the language of emotions and learn to pinpoint the several emotions you experience. Be self-aware, train yourself to recognize triggers for outbursts and soon you will be in command of your emotions.
Conclusion
EQ is a necessary skill for relating to others and achieving goals. EQ measurement and aptitude tests are now part of the hiring process in many organizations. At Genos International, you can explore a range of EQ programs and resources that will help you acquire skills for a rewarding and successful career.
