EI or EQ
When asked, many people can reel off a lot of stats about themselves. What stats? What they’re good at, what skills they have, the languages they speak, the programs they’ve mastered. Most of us know our personality and learning styles and an extensive list of other intellectual assets we possess. 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…
Do you have a robust emotional vocabulary?
Are your curious about people?
Do you embrace change?
How well do you know your strengths and weaknesses?
Are you a good judge of character?
Are you difficult to offend?
Do you know when and how to say NO?
Do you let go of mistakes easily?
Do you hold grudges?
How well do you neutralize toxic people?
Do you get fixated on trying to achieve perfection?
Do you readily appreciate what you have?
Do you stop negative “self-talk”?
Do you limit joy in your life?
If the answers are a mixed bag, you may need to make some steps to top up your emotional intelligence (EI) account and raise your emotional quotient (EQ) score. Like a credit score, you can take small actions over a period of time to raise your EQ but yet there are some actions that can cause a devastating affect on your EQ and your ability to achieve consistent and steady success.
In today’s business world the importance of Emotional Intelligence is increasing day by day. Why? Because studies indicate that you are more likely to be an effective leader and a real asset to your company/business if your emotional intelligence is higher.
But what is Emotional Intelligence and what do people with a “high score” do to that sets them apart from the rest?
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)
Inc.com contributor Justin Bariso outlines 13 signs of High Emotional Intelligence in his 2018 article.
To no surprise, emotional intelligence is really a measure of how you treat others and how self-aware you are…
- You think about feelings
- You pause and think
- You strive to control your thoughts
- You benefit from criticism
- You show authenticity
- You demonstrate empathy
- You praise others
- You give helpful feedback
- You apologize
- You forgive and forget
- You keep your commitments
- You help others
- You protect yourself from emotional sabotage
https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/13-things-emotionally-intelligent-people-do.html
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. Separatiing from skills or competency, ‘EI’ measures the impact an individuals behavior has on others.
In the current marketplace, we’re all facing added stress of the restrictions and requirements of the COVID 19 crisis globally, ‘EI’ has become a critical skill that business owners and employers need their staff to actively work at. From front line employees to upper level executives, a high ‘EI’ can make all the difference between a thriving company or a withering operation.
Like any other skill, practice makes perfect and Inc.com yet again offers tips on how you and your staff members can raise their ‘EI’ accounts. People with well-developed ‘EI’ tend to get what they want and navigate even the most daunting challenges with grace. These ‘EI’ ninjas will have some very powerful habits that they will consistently practice. These habits can be hard to develop and even harder to put into practice, but the effort is worth your while. Why? Because the higher your ‘EI’ the higher your success.
Habits to Practice to Increase Emotional Intelligence as outlined by Bill Murphy contributor of Inc.com.
- Seek support- don’t try to go about it alone
- Watch language use- consider carefully how words impact others and are perceived
- Don’t make assumptions-ask, don’t wonder or conjecture- first seek understanding so you can be understood
- Embrace silence- learn to be comfortable not adding words to fill the gaps that might dilute your meaning
- Know when to focus on others-it isn’t all about you. Your success depends on the success of others.
- Admit your shortcomings- no one is perfect and you should be honest about your mistakes, taking ownership and responsibility
- Don’t assume the worst- doomsayers are often less successful than those who can find the silver lining or at least learn a lesson in every situation
In a world of uncertainty and with all of our accounts in need of a top up, 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.
Want to learn more about achieve a more successful business? Schedule a call with Jeff today.
What kind of leader are you? Are you a creative or a reactive leader? Read this article to find out, and see how it makes a huge difference to you and your business.
