10 + 1 Ways to be Emotionally Intelligent

You must have heard of IQ which is Intellectual ability. IQ has been the foundation and dominant factor for so many things in society. An employer would appreciate an employee with a high IQ. Even social circles would embrace more people with high IQs. While this is fine and to be expected, there is also another factor as important as IQ. It is emotional intelligence or EQ.

Emotional intelligence describes the ability of a person to identify, understand, use, and manage their own emotions as well as the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence is also known as soft-strength. It is a quality that helps people advance in their career, make effective decisions in normal life scenarios including relationships, and leadership roles.

When workers find it difficult to increase sales and productivity, they might be lacking in emotional intelligence. When clients can’t work with a manager, the manager lacks emotional intelligence. To keep up with a competitive workplace, developing your EQ skills is the best solution. So, now you must be asking, how to be emotionally intelligent? Here are practical and effective ways.

1.Learn effective listening skills

A lot of us are guilty of just waiting for the other person to finish talking so we can speak. An emotionally intelligent person listens to what the person says to obtain clarity before talking. Practice listening well to others and reading other signs like nonverbal cues. Let your understanding of their speech influence your response. Also, show respect for the person’s opinion when you speak.

2. Stay self-motivated

An emotionally intelligent person is self-motivated. They are resilient and tough both outside and inside. An emotionally intelligent person sets goals in the face of challenges. Don’t let negativity or failures hold you back. EQ teaches you that such things are a part of life.

3. Constantly observe how you feel and behave

When you are emotionally intelligent, you try to observe how you feel and act. The bustle of each day can make you neglect your attitudes and emotions. When this happens, you are more likely to miss out on what your emotions try to tell you and act unconsciously. Make it a point to stop at a specific time of the day and reflect on how you feel.  Also, consider your behaviour so far. Consider if both factors affect how you communicate and your level of productivity. Learn from these observations to increase your EQ.

4. Replace aggressive or passive communication with assertiveness

Being assertive commands respect. It shows others you are confident, dependable, and fair. It also means you respect their opinions. Emotionally intelligent people are assertive in the place of aggression and passiveness. Practice saying yes or no when necessary and stand by your word.

5. Respond instead of reacting

There is a subtle, yet significant difference between responding to something and reacting. A reaction is an unconscious behaviour that is born from an emotional trigger. It usually stimulates attitudes like snapping at someone.

A response, on the other hand, is conscious behaviour. It is a calculated, thoughtful process. A response involves considering how you feel about something and deciding how you want to respond to it. When you can identify the difference and choose to respond more often rather than react, you improve your emotional intelligence.

6. Empathize with yourself and others

Empathy is a quality we see less of every day. Empathy describes being able to put yourself in other’s shoes and try to understand why they feel or behave a certain way. Empathize with yourself more often rather than beating yourself up. Do the same for others.

7. Manage negative emotions and dwell on positivity

An emotionally intelligent person is constantly aware of their attitude and mood. They recognise the power it has over their daily lives. To be emotionally intelligent, make a conscious choice to stay positive and put your negative emotions in check. Apply daily routines to do this with methods such as prayers, meditation, positive daily quotes, or other suitable options.

8. Take critique well

Critique is a part of life and the workplace. Some people don’t handle critique very well and this affects their productivity. Train yourself to accept criticism and pick it apart to find the lesson in it. Don’t allow critique break your spirit rather use it to be better.

9. Be sociable and approachable

Have you ever met someone who came off as unapproachable and rigid? They can make the air around them tough to breathe in. Being approachable and sociable is a tell for high emotional intelligence. It means you are in control of your emotions and try to understand other’s emotions too. It leads to great interpersonal skills and general acceptance.

10. Become a leader

A leader is someone who can set an example and carry people along. Emotionally intelligent people play leadership roles. They take initiative and make effective decisions. Put yourself in the place of a leader and groom leadership skills to benefit yourself and others.

10+1. Reward yourself regularly with a visit to Trieu Nails

People with a high EQ know when to reward themselves. As the best nail salon near you in London, we give you the treatment you deserve with relaxing and beautiful manicures , acrylic nails and other traetments. Visit Trieu Nails or book an appointment with the best nail salon near you. It also improves your looks, and emotionally intelligent people know how important this is.

By Lynn Trieu