The following strategies are used to improve skills in each area of Emotional Intelligence.
Some of the areas explored are:
Self-awareness, is the ability to recognize an emotion as it “happens”, is the key to EQ. Most of us are on “auto-pilot” experiencing emotions all throughout our day, but never really realizing that the emotions are there. Developing self-awareness requires “tuning in” to your true feelings, evaluating them and managing them.
Self-management, or self-regulation, is another area of Emotional Intelligence. Often we have little control over when we experience emotions. However, we can manage how long an emotion will last and how it will affect us. Self-regulation involves self-control, conscientiousness, adaptability, and being open to new ideas.
Social Awareness is the skill of looking outward to learn about and appreciate others. In this area of EQ, you use your ability to recognize and understand the emotions of others. Empathy, the ability to recognize how people feel, is a key aspect of social awareness. The more skillful you are at discerning the feelings behind others’ signals the better you can control the signals you send them. Relationship management also plays a key role in Emotional Intelligence. Other social skills, such as influence, communication, leadership, conflict management, collaboration, cooperation, and team work, play a huge role in social awareness.
For most people, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is more important than one’s intelligence (IQ) in attaining success in their lives and careers. As individuals, our success and the success of the profession today depend on our ability to read other people’s signals and react appropriately to them. Therefore, each one of us must develop the mature Emotional Intelligence skills required to better understand, empathize and negotiate with other people.
At Access, our therapists can help you find success in your personal and professional life through developing your Emotional Intelligence skills.
Source: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
Blog by Amarie Lewinski