Why is emotional intelligence so important?

It’s not the brightest of people that are the most successful or the one who are very contented in their life. You probably know people who are academically brilliant and yet are socially inept and unsuccessful at work or in their personal relationships. Why does this happen? What are the things we need to focus on to balance our emotional intelligence and then master it? Read to know more about it.

Know Yourself

"To know thyself is that the beginning of wisdom." This famous quote is usually attributed to Socrates. But what exactly does one know once you “know yourself?”. If you're struggling to open with your thoughts with others, then you can write down your feelings during a journal writing or in a notebook to be very precise in what you feel. This will allow you to fill the gap of loneliness and help in understanding yourself better. Pay special attention to your emotions and feelings. It’s better to share it with your spouse, a friend, a trusted advisor, or a coach. Work to spot the source of your feelings and the way they reveal themselves. Watch a tv show or read books which makes you feel more like you. Take care of yourself physically. Eat healthy and get some exercise. Science has proven that better physical health results in better emotional health. Exercise helps clear your head. Healthy body leads to a healthy mind!

Lastly, set some specific goals regarding avoiding circumstances that negatively impact your mood.

Social Awareness

One should seek to understand the feelings of those you interact with. For those with whom you've got comfortable and deep relationship, use your interactions to check your understanding of your emotions. You should ask clarifying questions to make sure you are properly understanding their emotional state and do not make them feel that you are not bothered. One should always have a non-judgemental attitude while understanding others. Seek to understand without criticizing them for how they feel. As a result, you will develop stronger empathy for their circumstances.

While you are seeking to understand other’s emotions, balance that activity with understanding your own emotions too. You can analyse whether there is a correlation between your understanding of their emotions and how your emotions match each situation. This will help you understand your own emotions better. Demonstrate curiosity with others and show interest while listening and strive to remember facts. This will help you to improve your social skills and your overall emotional intelligence.

Respond instead of reacting to Conflict!

It is very natural to feel angry in instances of conflict and there might be an emotional outburst. The emotionally intelligent person knows the way to stay calm during stressful situations. One should learn to remain calm and not react during these times. You should not make impulsive decisions that can lead to even bigger problems. Understand that in times of conflict, the goal is a resolution, and one should make a conscious choice to focus on ensuring that actions and words are in alignment with that.

Show Empathy

If you are emotionally intelligent, you should know how to empathize. One should understand that empathy is a trait that shows emotional strength, not weakness. Empathy helps you to relate with others on a basic human level and nurtures the relationship. It will open the door for mutual respect and understanding between people with differing opinions and situations. Showing empathy towards others is a very simple and effective way to show that you care and understand. The same will be reflected on you. This will help you improve your EQ.

Be Approachable

To be approachable is the foundation of building a good relationship. It can apply to your spouse, other family members, business partners and office colleagues. In professional life, it helps in building a robust team that is full of energy, enthusiasm, and where ideas flow freely. You can improve your approachability by breaking down barriers of self-distancing while creating an environment of trust. Identify situations where you do not feel comfortable and seek to understand why? Making yourself available to your friends or family or anyone in times of need is a sign of an Emotionally intelligent person.