The term ‘emotional intelligence’ might sound confusing at first. That’s because we generally tend to perceive our emotions and our intelligence as two separate things. But combining the two can empower us to connect with others, comprehend ourselves better, and live a more authentic and happy life.
Humans are emotional beings, who often make decisions based on their emotions. When used in a productive manner, emotions can help us navigate through problems and improve our relationships, both at home and at work. Emotionally intelligent people have certain distinct habits or traits that make it easy for them to perceive, manage and control their own emotions, while also addressing the feelings of others.
It was psychologist Daniel Goleman who first introduced the term ‘emotional intelligence’ to a wide audience with his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Goleman characterises emotional intelligence as the ability to identify and monitor one’s own emotions and that of others.
Our emotional intelligence impacts how we manage our behaviour, explore social complexities and make personal choices to accomplish positive outcomes. Since emotionally intelligent people tend to get along better with others by being empathetic and caring, they are more likely to be successful as compared to their peers. The good news is emotional intelligence can be learned and improved at any stage in life. In fact, a study by UC Berkeley psychologist Robert Levenson shows on average, a person’s emotional intelligence tends to increase as they age.
Here are six effective traits of people who display a high level of emotional intelligence. If cultivated and practiced regularly, you too can develop the desired skills that can last a lifetime.
Self-awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to tune into your own feelings and emotions. Emotionally intelligent people understand what they are feeling and why, and how those feelings impact what they are trying to accomplish. For them, every moment is an opportunity to practice self-awareness. To grow in self-awareness, start by examining your own emotions. Introspect how you typically react to various situations, whether they involve a family member, a colleague or an outsider. When you’re mindful of your emotions and reactions, you can begin to control them. You also gain clarity on your values and sense of purpose, which allows you to be more decisive when formulating a course of action.
One of the keys is to recognise your inherent weaknesses. In case you’re struggling with something at work, be honest about the skills you need to build on to succeed. During periods of frustration, try to get to the root cause of your dissatisfaction. In general, self-awareness incorporates recognising one’s emotions and their effects, knowing one’s strengths and limitations, and building confidence in one’s self-worth and capabilities.
Self-awareness is the ability to understand and recognize your own emotions, reactions, strengths, and limitations.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and to be able to connect with and relate to different people.
Adaptability allows individuals to navigate change and uncertainty, finding better ways to handle challenges and balance multiple demands.
A positive mindset helps individuals see the good in people and situations, fostering resilience, open-mindedness, and a proactive approach to life.
Self-motivation refers to the inner drive and commitment to pursue goals, persist despite obstacles, and maintain optimism in the face of adversity.
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