Who says you have to be extremely brilliant to succeed in life?
In the early 1990s, researchers identified a different kind of intelligence – Emotional Intelligence (EI or EQ) – as the missing explanation to why people with average IQs managed to outperform their counterparts who were considered more intelligent. As knowledge of EI evolves, the world has come to realise that it is a strong indicator of successful work performance and a critical foundation for other skills.
So what exactly is Emotional Intelligence? It can be defined as the ability to recognise, understand and express your emotions in a healthy way, and in turn, perceive those of others. The latter helps you form good, solid relationships as you are able to manage not just your emotions, but the emotions of those around you as well.
Emotionally intelligent people are highly:
1. Self-aware
2. Self-regulated
3. Motivated
4. Empathetic
5. Social
You can evaluate your level of emotional intelligence and determine if it needs to be worked on by honestly answering the questions below:
1
. Self-awareness
Can you recognise your emotions as you experience them?
Do you know all your strengths and weaknesses?’
2.
Self-regulation
How easily do you get angry?
Do you know how to calm yourself when you’re anxious or upset?
Do you respond or react to situations?
Do you make careless decisions based on your impulses?
3.
Motivation
Can you organise large groups?
Can you work in challenging situations?
Can you set and stick to achieving long-term goals?
4.
Empathy
Can you read other people’s emotions easily?
5.
Social skills
Can you build a good rapport with others?
Do you actively listen to others during conversations?
If most of your answers were
yes, congratulations! You are highly emotionally intelligent and are probably successful in handling relationships and endeavours.
If most of your answers were
no, don’t fret. Identifying and admitting to your weaknesses is a first step towards a better you. Keep working on these areas and you’ll find yourself adapting easily.
Read also:
Leadership Skills: Emotional Intelligence VS Intelligence Quotient
Leadership Skills: 5 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence
Monday Motivation: How to Get Out of Your Way to Achieve Better Results
