EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

What is Emotional Intelligence; why is it important?

There are many materials on Emotional intelligence (also known as EI) however in its simplest form EI is the ability to understand, use, and manage emotions (both our own and others) in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

It’s not always the smartest people who are the most successful or the most fulfilled in life. You probably know people who are academically brilliant and yet are socially inept and unsuccessful at work or in their personal relationships. 

Intellectual ability or your intelligence quotient (IQ) isn’t enough on its own to achieve success in life. Yes, your IQ can help you get a great score and a leg up on your resume, but it’s your EI that will help you manage the stress and emotions. IQ and EI exist in tandem and are most effective when they build off one another.

Improving your EI

When learning about EI we must remember that applying that knowledge to your life can take time. Just because you know you should do something doesn’t mean you will especially when you become overwhelmed by stress, which can override our best intentions. In order to permanently change, you will need to learn how to overcome stress in the moment, and in your relationships, in order to remain emotionally aware.

The key skills for building your EI to managing emotions and connect with others are:

1. Self Management: You’re able to control impulsive feelings and behaviours, manage your emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances.
   
   

2. Self Awareness: You can recognise your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviour. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence.
   
   

3. Social Awareness: You have empathy! You can understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognise the dynamics in a group.
   
   

4. Relationship Management: You know how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict.