5 Tips to improve your Emotional Intelligence or EI
In the 1990’s Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer introduced the concept of EI. What exactly is emotional intelligence or EI? It refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. EI is also popular as EQ or Emotional Quotient and has gained huge popularity in the present era.
What makes people with high EQ successful? They are highly conscious of their own emotional states, even negative ones—from frustration or sadness to something more subtle. The capability of identifying and understanding what they exactly feels makes them realistic and with high confidence.
In addition they are not impulsive or hasty with their actions. Some studies have found a link between emotional intelligence and job performance and have proven to be highly productive.
Let’s look at some ways we can improve our EQ -
Learn to name the emotion you are feeling, then you have a better chance of understanding what you are feeling.
Take the time to listen to what people are trying to tell you, both verbally and non-verbally. Even paying attention to people’s body language tells a lot.
Listening to others alone won’t help. You might have to learn to put yourself in their shoes to get the exact idea of what they are going through. This can help you build an emotional understanding of a specific situation as well as develop stronger emotional skills in the long-term.
Another important aspect to practice to be more emotionally intelligent is Self-motivation. Self-motivation includes our personal drive to improve and achieve and maintain a commitment in things you want to achieve.
Practice empathy and be genuine. Convey your feelings in a right manner.
By developing your social skills, being easy to talk to, being a good listener, being sharing and trustworthy, you also become more charismatic and attractive to others. This in turn improves self-esteem and confidence which makes it easier for positive personal dialogue and a greater understanding and acceptance of your own emotions.
