Emotions are what most living beings are made up of. But it is only us human beings who are aware of this intelligence, and can use this awareness to not only manage and control our own emotions but also the emotions of others. Control other’s emotions? Isn’t that a little far-fetched to believe? Not at all. That is what Emotional Intelligence can achieve.
If we talk about the value of emotional intelligence in the professional domain, it is considered to be a key skill that leaders must possess. Manpower – internal and external – form a very big part of any organisational set-up. Emotions rule our everyday lives, decisions, conversations, et al. The ability to influence self emotions and the emotions of other people is a very important skill in leadership. It is now a mandatory skill leaders must possess, to play their role effectively.
Emotional Intelligence
Meaning: The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
We have seen people who manage their emotions in a rather composed manner. They don’t lose their cool or blow their top. Instead we can make out by their demeanour that they are carefully assessing the situation and will come up with the best possible way to deal with the situation. They are masters at managing their emotions. Such people are excellent decision makers, and also possess the ability to take criticism and feedback positively and improve.
These behaviours show that such people have a high degree of emotional intelligence. They not only know themselves very well, but are also emphatic to the emotional needs of others.
Understanding Emotional Intelligence and Emotionally Intelligent people
Self-awareness:- Charity begins at home. To achieve a high level of EI (Emotional Intelligence), it is first important to be Self-aware, which means the ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions, actions, words, behaviour and its effect on other people. Once you gain command over this or gain this awareness, the next step is to be capable of monitoring our own emotions, and its reaction on self and other people. Self-aware people know their strengths and weaknesses and also how to manage it in the best sensitive manner so that relationships are not compromised. They are always open to learning from their interactions with others.
Empathy:- Empathy, or the ability to be in the other person’s shoes, to understand how others feel, to understand the other person’s emotional state, is absolutely critical to emotional intelligence. Just knowing and understanding is not enough, it also involves how we respond to people based on this information. If the person is going through some bad or sad phase, being emphatic will influence you to show some extra concern or a more softer behavior to give some relief to the person and show them you care. Being empathetic allows you to understand how various external and internal forces influence feelings, behaviors and how one responds to it at that moment. These are the power dynamics that influence social interaction and the results of such interaction. People who possess the knack to effectively interpret such dynamics and efficiently influence social relationships are the people who are competent in workplace settings.
Motivation:- People with a greater EI are self-motivated. For them, monetary benefits or perks are important but not everything. Intrinsic motivation or their core behavior also plays a key role in emotional intelligence. People who are emotionally intelligent possess an intrinsic need to do something more and are motivated by things beyond mere external rewards like money, fame, rewards or recognition. They are often driven by a passion to fulfil their own inner needs and goals which motivates them to seek an experience beyond monetary and external rewards. This need is more deep-rooted, more internal. People who have a high EQ are more action-oriented and have a high need for achievement. They are committed to their goals and look for ways where they can bring better value in everything they do.
Self-regulation:– To achieve the right kind of results when dealing with people, it is important to be aware of our own emotions and how it can impact others. It is just as important to know how to manage one’s emotions so that it does not go on an over-drive. Regulating one emotions to suit a situation does not mean we have to hide our true feelings or pretend in any manner. It means to be prudent, and wait for the right time and place to express it. If emotions are expressed at a wrong time, it could have detrimental effects, some of which cannot even be salvaged. Those who are skilled in expressing their emotions in an appropriate manner are flexible and can adapt to change. Such people are very good in the areas of conflict management and managing teams.
Social skills: – We live in a society. Hence social interaction forms a very important aspect of our daily lives. Developing social skills which include active listening, understanding, persuading skills, and effective verbal and non-verbal skills, leadership skills form an important part of Emotional Intelligence. Emotional understanding involves understanding our own emotions and the emotions of others and putting this information to work in our daily interactions and communications. This skill helps build life long and loyal connections and strong relationships. It helps build rapport and a strong sense of connect, all which are useful and beneficial in both personal and professional settings.
Importance and Advantages of Emotional Intelligence
Importance of Emotional Intelligence: – Today, relationship building and sustaining these relationships play a crucial role in relationship dynamics. It is this aspect that help businesses and people grow and prosper. If people are managed well, everything else falls into place. A manager or leader who has a high EQ, are high performers because they are able to manage their emotions better. They communicate effectively with their teams and are more successful in managing and leading change. Possessing a high EQ enables them to garner efficient people managing skills, problem solving skills and hence they are more successful in taking the right decisions. They stay self-motivated and are high on positivism. They are able to connect and adapt to people and situations, and build quality and lasting relationships which is key to success in today’s fast moving business world.
Emotional Intelligence and its benefits
The benefits are many, here we mention few of them.
Helps build better and lasting relationships
Helps understand people better
Helps connect better
Evaluates the emotional state
Helps become solution-focused and successful in business
Helps you to get respect from others
Helps manage change confidently and creatively
Develop an always positive and motivated attitude
Helps reduce stress levels by being in the present awareness state
Helps control conflicts and contribute to teamwork
Continue working calmly even under pressure
People with high emotional intelligence are able to express easily and clearly. This quality not only endear them to others, but helps them earn respect and support. People with high EQ can easily create an effective communication network, stay calm in challenging situations, solve problems effectively, and are open to asking for help when needed. They take feedback constructively and learn by their mistakes. They are able to influence others with these behaviours as people look up to them as role models. Such people are very good at managing and become successful in a short time.
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