Most people, when asked can rattle off a lot of stats about themselves. What they do well. The skills they have. How many languages they speak. Any and all programs we have mastered. Is this Emotional Intelligence?
Most of know our personality and learning styles and a whole list of other intellectual assets we posse see. But, how many of us know where we land on the Emotional Intelligence scale?
What is your Emotional Quotient?
There are quizzes you can take and books you can read to help you assess your Emotional Intelligence. Ask yourself a few questions as posed by Travis Bradberry Ph.D, in his book Emotional Intelligence 2.0.
Now be honest, how many of these questions can you answer yes to…
- Are your curious about people?
- Do you embrace change?
- How well do you know your strengths and weaknesses?
- Are you difficult to offend?
- Do you know when and how to stay NO?
- Are you a good judge of character?
- Do you let go of mistakes easily?
- Have a robust emotional vocabulary?
- Do you hold grudges?
- How well do you neutralise toxic people?
- You get fixated on trying to achieve perfection?
- Do you readily appreciate what you have?
- You stop negative “self-talk”?
- Do you limit joy in your life?
If the answers are a mixed bag, you may need to take some steps. Steps that will fill your emotional intelligence account and raise your Emotional Quotient (EQ) score.
Similar to a credit score, there are small actions you can take over time to raise you EQ and there are some actions that can have a devastating affect on your EQ and your ability to achieve consistent and steady success.
Emotional Intelligence is becoming more and more important in today’s business world. Why? Because studies show that the higher your emotional intelligence is the more likely you are an effective leader and are an asset to your company or business.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
What do people with a “high score” do to that sets them apart?
Merriam Webster defines Emotional Intelligence as “the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” (Dictonary.com, 2020)
Justin Bariso outlines 13 signs of High Emotional Intelligence in his article here.
Not surprising, emotional intelligence is really a measure of how you treat others and how self-aware you are, including when you…
- Think about feelings
- Pause
- Strive to control your thoughts
- Benefit from criticism
- Show authenticity
- Demonstrate empathy
- Praise others
- Give helpful feedback
- Apologise
- Forgive and forget
- Keep your commitments
- Help others
- Protect yourself from emotional sabotage
The concept of Emotional Intelligence was introduced in 1995 in a book called Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Ph.D. His articulation of Emotional Intelligence (EI) allows employers and business owners to evaluate their team at a higher level.
Separate from skills or competency, EI identifies the impact individual behaviours have on others.
Today’s Marketplace
In today’s marketplace, as we all face the added stress of the restrictions and requirements of the COVID 19 crisis globally, EI is a critical skill that business owners and employees need their staffs to actively work on. From front line employees to upper level executives, a high EI can be the difference between a thriving company or a withering operation.
Like any other skill, raising your EI takes practice. Inc.com once again offers some ways you and your staff members can raise their EI accounts. People with well-developed EI seem to get what they want and navigate even the most daunting challenges with grace. These EI ninjas have some very powerful habits they consistently practice. These habits are sometimes hard to develop and harder yet to put into practice, but they are worth the work because as your EI raises, so does success.
Habits to Practice to Increase Emotional Intelligence
- Seek support- don’t try to go it alone
- Watch language use- consider carefully how words impact others and are perceived
- Don’t make assumptions
- Ask don’t wonder or conjecture
- When you first seek understanding then you can be understood
- Embrace silence- learn to be comfortable not adding words to fill the gaps that might dilute your meaning
- They know when to focus on others-it isn’t all about your. You success depends on the success of others.
- Admit their shortcomings- you are perfect and your should be honest about your mistakes, taking ownership and responsibility
- They don’t assume the worst- doomsayers are often less success that those who can find the silver lining or at least find learning in every situation
More learning on these can be found here in Bill Murphy’s article, 7 Powerful Habits of People With High Emotional Intelligence
In a world of uncertainty and with all of our accounts in need of a refill, working on your EI or EQ can be the most effective way to raise your satisfaction and your success. If success increases, so do all your accounts.
Remember…… Never Give Up – Success could be Just 3 Feet Away……
Find out more by getting in touch with me today. Book a 15 minute call here Message me at ianfinney@actioncoach.com or fill in the contact form by clicking here.
