Emotional Intelligence has become a buzzword in recent years, and for good reason. It refers to the ability to recognize, understand and regulate one's own emotions as well as those of others in the moment. People with high emotional intelligence are able to manage their impulses, communicate effectively, and handle change well. They are gifted at educating and persuading in sales situations and resolving customer complaints in customer service roles. They remain optimistic even in the face of adversity and are able to use humor to build rapport in tense situations.
The ability to maintain clarity in thinking and composure in stressful and chaotic situations is what separates top performers from weak performers in the workplace. With the world moving at such a fast pace, and the constant barrage of information and stimuli, emotional intelligence has become more important than ever before.
Emotional Quotient (EQ) consists of five core components - self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, social regulation, and motivation. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one's own moods, emotions, and drives as well as the impact they have on others. It also involves accurately knowing one's strengths and limitations. When we are fully aware of our strengths and accept our shadow qualities, we can integrate them and begin to heal.
Self-regulation is the ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods and the propensity to suspend judgment and think before acting. This is particularly important for the 53% of people who have a defined emotional solar plexus and ride one of four different waves. Awareness of this wave and understanding how it affects decision-making is critical. Those who feel the emotional wave from others, which is 47% of the population, will have the ability to amplify those emotions. Being aware of this can lead to healthier relationships.
Social awareness is the ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people and how your words and actions affect others. It involves understanding who in our lives are the most triggering and how we can heal these relationships or limit our time with people who we aren't in alignment with. Social regulation is the ability to influence the emotional clarity of others through proficiency in managing relationships and building networks. Understanding how our own individual actions can be triggering for others is key.
Motivation is a passion to work for reasons that go beyond the external drive for knowledge, utility, surroundings, others, power, or methodology. It is based on an internal drive or propensity to pursue goals with energy and persistence. It shows up as taking initiative on projects, being optimistic despite setbacks, and striving to improve.
It takes seven years for our cells to regenerate, which is why it is important to begin the process of doing the work to heal and grow our lives now. With conscious work, this process can happen faster. It all begins with each person doing their part to heal themselves, starting with awareness, compassion, and self-love.
Emotional intelligence is essential in both personal and professional settings. Those who possess high levels of EQ are able to navigate complex situations and relationships with greater ease and grace. They are better equipped to handle stress and adversity and are more likely to achieve their goals. Investing in developing emotional intelligence is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and those around us.
In conclusion, the importance of emotional intelligence cannot be overstated. Those who possess it have a significant advantage in both their personal and professional lives. Developing EQ takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. With the world becoming increasingly complex and fast-paced, emotional intelligence has become more important than ever before. Investing in our emotional intelligence is not only essential for our personal growth and development but also for the greater good of the world around us.
