What is Emotional Intelligence?

Man in business suit

Emotional intelligence (EQ) refers to the skills of self awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management as they pertain to emotions. Understanding what emotional intelligence is and learning how to use it is a critical step in becoming successful and in reaching your personal goals.  “Your EQ is the level of your ability to understand other people, what motivates them and how to work cooperatively with them,” reports Howard Gardner, a Harvard theorist.  Learn to identify and manage your feelings so that you can conduct yourself appropriately in social situations. 

1.    Self awareness is the ability to recognize emotions as you are experiencing them in addition to recognizing the effect those emotions are having on yourself and others around you.  Practicing the art of self awareness allows you to tune into your true feelings.

2.    Self management involves learning techniques to control negative emotions and managing your impulses so that you can respond appropriately when emotions surface. 

3.    Social awareness is the ability to recognize how others feel by picking up on their emotions.  It is being aware of all of the cues to understand what is really going on in any given situation. 

4.    Relationship management is fine tuning your ability to understand, empathize and react to others around you to better manage your interactions.  Communication is key, whether reading non-verbal cues or being able to listen and respond appropriately.  Being empathetic is a necessary skill directly linked to success and it will enhance your ability to work with others toward common goals.

Ed4Career offers a wonderful Professional Development Course entitled “Increase Your EQ”.  Check it out!

http://Ed4Career.com/professional-course/increase-your-eq

 

By Kris Powers | July 9th 2013

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