Emotional intelligence is a highly desired skill by employers. The concept refers to an individual’s ability to understand, manage and regulate emotions of themselves and others.
Without these attributes it is difficult to get ahead in your career. Research has shown those lacking emotional intelligence find it more difficult to be successful at work.
According to Michael Page, these are some common elements of Emotional Intelligence.
Self-awareness
Self-Awareness is about knowing your weaknesses, strengths, drivers, values and impacts on others. For example, if you know running late makes you stressed, make sure you arrive early.
Self-management
Self-management refers to your ability to control and re-direct distractive impulses. For example, if a colleague makes you angry, you resist the urge to shout at them.
Motivation
Motivation can refer to simply enjoying achievement for its own sake. On the other hand, intrinsic motivation refers to having a passion for your work. Motivation is also about having the optimism and energy to improve your work constantly
Empathy
Empathy is all about understanding the emotions of others. An empathetic person will consider the feelings of others when making decisions.
It’s important to reflect on your emotional intelligence. How does it stack up, and how can you improve it? To do so, there are several questions you can ask yourself, according to Hays
Am I aware of how my emotions impact others?
Do you realise when stress and anxiety are building at work? Is this impacting the way you interact with others.
Can you identify negative emotions in others?
Can you recognise when others are displaying negative emotions? If so it is a good idea to help support them
Can I encourage positive emotions in myself and others?
Help others increase their inspiration and motivation. Help create a workplace that encourages positive emotions and thinking.
How good am I at listening to people?
Listening to others helps them feel heard and can help you motivate them
There are many benefits to emotional intelligence at work:
-Emotional Intelligence can lead to a more positive work environment
-Emotional Intelligence can lead to increased teamwork.
-Emotional intelligence can help to ease conflict
– Emotional Intelligence can build strong relationships
-Emotional Intelligence can build career success
-Emotional Intelligence can improve mental health
-Emotional Intelligence can lead to better decision making
How to improve Emotional Intelligence
According to Hays and Psychology Today you can deploy several strategies to increase your Emotional Intelligence
*Pay attention to how you are feeling
If you are able to understand how you are feeling, you will be better able to regulate your emotions.
*Focus on understanding emotional triggers
It’s important to know what makes you feel a certain way.
*Focus on symptoms that affect emotions
Does hunger or tiredness affect your mood?
*Use positive self talk when experiencing negative emotions
*Keep journal of emotions
Research has shown those who journal experience less negative emotions. It gives people the opportunity to reflect on how they are feeling and why.
*Manage stress levels
It’s important to be able to calm yourself down when feeling stressed. Try meditating or using a breathing app.
*Practice Observing Others
Observe others to see if you can guess what their emotions are. You can do this with work colleagues or your family at home. You can also observe people in the street or at a restaurant.
Do you want to improve the way you come across to others? Public Service Resumes is pleased to offer Interview Skills Coaching.