We are all familiar with general intelligence (IQ). How many of us know anything about Emotional intelligence (EQ)? Emotional intelligence is the capacity to identify, apply, empathize and manage emotions in positive ways to communicate effectively, understand others, fight challenges, relieve stress and resolve conflict in an intelligent manner.
Daniel Jay Goleman an eminent intelligence émotionnelle author, psychologist, and science journalist wrote a book on Emotional Intelligence in 1995 which turned out be an internationally best-selling book. Ever since then it has become a buzz word in the fields of psychology and sociology. Soft skill modules and trainers are reiterating on the importance of emotional intelligence in work place and in social settings.
In order to gain success and happiness in life, emotional intelligence is needed as much as intellectual ability (IQ). Emotional intelligence is helpful at work, in relationships, in career growth and personal goals. From here on we will refer to Emotional Intelligence as EQ.
How do you boost your EQ? You could increase your EQ by learning and mastering a few key skills:
First of all it is important for you to understand the fact that your emotions impact various aspects of your daily life – the way you carry yourself, the way you behave and the way you interact with others. With a high EQ you are capable of recognizing your own emotional state and that of the others. This understanding helps you to communicate and convince others in a way that draws them closer to you. The success with which you are able to use your EQ leads to success in every path of your life leading to more contentment in life.
There are four main qualities or characteristics of Emotional Intelligence: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” said Aristotle. This wisdom holds the key to further develop your EQ.
Self-awareness: Did you ever stop to think who you really are inside? Whether you are good or bad, clever or dull, witty or serious, etc.? Well, when you sit in a place and observe yourself as an outsider you may be able to understand the real ‘you’. When you look at yourself deeply you may understand why you acted in certain ways under certain circumstances. The ability to introspect yourself is self-awareness. Self-awareness helps you identify your thoughts, actions, feelings, values, fears, shortcomings, strengths and overall the total ‘you’
Besides yourself you can approach your loved ones and friends to make you understand you. You can get a feedback from those who will give you their honest opinion of you. This helps to a certain extent how others perceive you. In marketing this is done through a questionnaire about a company’s product and performance. This is evaluated and used in improving the company’s products and services. In the same way you could ask your loved ones to evaluate you and from their answers you could understand and improve your EQ in areas where you lack. As an adult you could do this exercise in form of a journal. In fact journaling is a great way to see the real you and your genuine feelings. You are more in tune with your own feelings when you have a high EQ. this in turn increases your self confidence in life, in dealing with yourself as well as others.