17.09.2021
Emotional intelligence is an essential element for social and professional competency in any field and industry.
Individuals with developed EQ can perceive, use, understand and manage their emotions and the emotions of those around them.
While human behaviors can be self-affirming, an emotionally intelligent leader has the ability to inspire and motivate with the aim to improve both their own and the lives of their employees.
Such leaders give voice to their uniqueness in a powerful yet elegant way, taking into account the emotional needs of others too.
If you are one of these leaders, GREAT!
Because the demand for high EQ leaders has been steadily increasing, especially since the pandemic crisis started 19 months ago to date. Most companies view EQ as a strong performance predictor. They look for leaders who can successfully navigate their team through mass disruption.
At the same time, employees prefer managers to demonstrate a leadership style focused on empathy, wellbeing, and a supportive attitude.
But what if you are someone who’s finding it difficult to express their emotions? Or perhaps you feel quite uncomfortable dealing with other people’s emotions?
Maybe you’ve recently been going on through stressful times at work or home, feeling overwhelmed. How can you manage those situations constructively if you’re not in touch with your emotions?
EMOTIONAL AWARENESS
Often, the unrecognized and unexpressed emotions can become toxic for your wellbeing, harmful to your relationships, and can make you stagnant in your career.
In this instance, I’m not going to outline every EQ characteristic. Instead, I’d like to invite you to take a moment and think about your emotions and what it means to be emotionally advanced.
Hence the focus here is on self-awareness and self-regulation; the two emotionally oriented elements of what defines the high EQ.
Self-awareness – you understand your emotions, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and find a balance between your emotional and rational mind.
Self-regulation – you have the ability to control negative emotions and impulses, such as anger, jealousy, or frustration. You avoid making careless decisions and control your actions.
ARE YOU GOOD AT MANAGING EMOTIONS?
There are many reasons why you might experience negative emotions. However, the way you manage those emotions is what matters the most.
Because just when you feel like shouting or crying, it’s your emotional awareness that helps you maintain appropriate behavior, as well as allowing you to protect your wellbeing from external negative events.
Equally, when you’re emotionally advanced you are also ready to offer support and compassion to others as they cope with their own situation.
For example, when it comes to how you manage your team, do you encourage others to express their emotions and feelings, or are you more interested in their thoughts and ideas?
Do you believe that you can really motivate your employees if you don’t understand and consciously shape their emotions toward a positive and uplifting state of mind?
Either way, if you want to be one of those leaders who foster an emotional culture in their organization you need to start with YOU.
No matter what’s going on in your life, you always have the opportunity to open your mind and heart and examine the emotions and feelings that you experience at any given moment. Only then you can understand what is happening and integrate your actions accordingly.
Basically, the more you’re in touch with your emotions, the easier you can develop your EQ.
This will boost your ability to build more positive working relationships, to increase workplace productivity, performance and morale. Ultimately, your organization will thrive.
CURIOSITY IS GOOD
So, being open to exploring your emotions and letting go of what’s no longer serving you is a constructive way forward and towards developing higher EQ.
To start understanding better yourself and the people around you, check Hoffman's list of emotions and feelings. What are the most repetitive emotions that you have been feeling for the past week, month, or during the course of the year?
Try to step back and examine how these emotions are affecting your day-to-day life.
Can you link specific behaviors to some or all of the emotions that you’ve been experiencing? Also, ask yourself if there’s anything that’s stopping you to fully connect with your feelings and emotions?
Well, easier said than done, I hear some of you saying.
If so, then please feel free to reach out. You can benefit both as an individual and a leader when you learn strategies and techniques to enhance your EQ – from building strong relationships and trust in your personal life to supercharging your career – developing Emotional Intelligence pays off in many ways.
