5 Ways to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence
We all know someone who seems to have it all together. They always seem to know the right thing to say, they never get frazzled or overwhelmed, and they always seem to be able to read other people perfectly. Chances are, that person has a high emotional intelligence (EI).
But what exactly is emotional intelligence? According to the Harvard Business Review, "Emotional intelligence is the 'something' in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions that achieve positive results." In other words, it's that special something that allows us to effectively manage our emotions and interact with others.
So how can you increase your own emotional intelligence? Read on for 5 tips.
1. Be self-aware. One of the most important aspects of emotional intelligence is self-awareness. This means being aware of your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviors. If you're not self-aware, it will be difficult—if not impossible—to manage your emotions effectively. To increase your self-awareness, try keeping a journal or taking some time each day to reflect on your emotions and how they impacted your interactions with others.
2. Be aware of other people's emotions. Another key component of emotional intelligence is empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. If you want to be emotionally intelligent, it's important to be able to put yourself in other people's shoes so that you can understand their perspective. The next time you're in a discussion with someone, try to see things from their point of view instead of getting wrapped up in your own opinion.
3. Manage your emotions effectively. As we mentioned before, one of the hallmarks of emotionally intelligent people is their ability to effectively manage their emotions. This doesn't mean suppressing your emotions—it means being able to understand and regulate them so that they don't get the best of you. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or frazzled easily, take some time to practice some deep breathing exercises or take a few minutes each day to center yourself.
4. Be adaptable. Another important aspect of emotional intelligence is adaptability—the ability to change and adapt in response to new situations or challenges. If you want to be emotionally intelligent, it's important that you're flexible and willing to change as needed. The next time you're faced with a new challenge at work or home, instead of getting stuck in your usual way of doing things, try thinking outside the box and approaching the situation from a different angle.
5 . Communicate effectively. Emotionally intelligent people are also excellent communicators. This means being able to express your thoughts and feelings clearly and concisely, as well as being a good listener. If you're not sure how to improve your communication skills, try taking a class or reading a book on the subject.
Increasing your emotional intelligence can help you in all areas of your life—from your personal relationships to your professional success. By becoming more self-aware, managing your emotions effectively, being adaptable, and communicating effectively, you can start to see improvements in all areas of your life.
RACHEL DEALTO
Rachel DeAlto is a keynote speaker on communication, leadership, team building, and more. She’s on a mission to connect people to their most powerful resource—each other.