How to improve emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence is an increasingly popular skill to have in the professional world. Emotional intelligence fuels your execution both in the workplace and in your personal life, but it begins with you. From your spirit, empathy, and positiveness to your social skills and self-control, learning and managing your emotions can accelerate success in all areas of your life.
How to improve emotional intelligence?
Use an emphatic style of communicating
Empathetic communication goes a long way toward gaining respect without coming across as too aggressive or too passive. Emotionally intelligent people know how to convey their opinions and needs directly while still respecting others.
React instead of responding to conflict
During the situation of conflict, emotional bursts and feelings of anger are common. The emotionally intelligent person knows how to stay peaceful during stressful situations. They avoid making impulsive decisions that can lead to even greater problems. They understand that in times of conflict the goal is to find a solution, and they make a conscious choice of focusing on ensuring that their actions and words are aligned in that way.
Use active listening skills
During a conversation, emotionally intelligent people listen for clearness instead of just waiting for their turn to speak. They make sure they understand what is being said before answering. They also pay attention to the nonverbal elements of a conversation. This keeps a person away from misunderstandings, allows the listener to respond properly, and shows respect for the individual they are speaking to.
Also Read: How to improve communication skills?
Stay motivated
Emotionally intelligent people are self-motivated and their perspective motivates others. They set plans and are resilient in a time of challenges.
Practice ways to keep a positive attitude
Do not undervalue the power of your attitude. A negative mindset easily infects others. Emotionally intelligent people have an understanding of the moods of those around them and guard their attitudes accordingly. They know what they need to do to have a good day and have an optimistic perspective.
Build self-awareness
Emotionally intelligent people are self-aware and instinctive. They are aware of their emotions and how they can influence those around them. They also pick up on others’ emotions and body language and use that information to improve their communication skills.
Take negative reviews well
An essential part of improving your emotional intelligence is to be able to take a negative review. Instead of getting offended or defensive, high EQ people take a few moments to comprehend where the negative review is coming from, how it is impacting their performance, and how they can constructively resolve any issues.
Empathize with others
Emotionally intelligent people know how to sympathize. They understand that empathy is a characteristic that shows emotional strength, not weakness. Empathy helps them to relate to others people on a basis of human level. It opens the door for mutual affection and understanding between people with differing views and situations.
Be approachable and friendly
Emotionally intelligent people come off as approachable. They smile and give a positive existence. EI people use proper social skills based on their relationship with whomever they are around. They have great interpersonal skills and know how to express themselves clearly, whether the communication is verbal or nonverbal.
Many of these skills may seem to be best suited for those who understand fundamental human psychology. While high emotional intelligence skills may come more easily to inherently empathetic people, still, anyone can develop them.