Many people are familiar with IQ (Intelligence Quotient). It is a test that measures intellectual intelligence. Higher intelligence scores indicate higher cognitive abilities or the ability to understand and learn. Higher IQs mean that people with higher IQs will do better academically, even though they don’t have to exert as much mental effort as those with lower IQs.

It is logical to assume that people with higher intelligence are more likely to be successful in work and life. This assumption is incorrect. 

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, use, and control one’s emotions in a constructive manner to reduce stress and communicate effectively with others. It also helps overcome obstacles and diffuse conflict.

It is vital to be able to control and express emotions. However, it is equally important to understand, interpret and respond to others’ emotions. Imagine living in a world where you couldn’t understand your friend’s emotions or that of a coworker. This ability is called emotional intelligence by psychologists. Some experts suggest it could be more crucial than IQ to your overall success in life.

Attributes of Emotional Intelligence

Self-management

You manage your emotions in healthy and productive ways, take the initiative, and follow through with commitments.

Self-awareness

You can recognize your emotions and how they influence your thoughts and behaviour. Emotions can be used to stimulate thinking and cognitive activity. Emotions help us prioritise what we pay attention to and how we react to it. We are most likely to respond emotionally to the things that grab our attention.

Your ability to show empathy

You can understand and respond to the needs and emotions of others and their social and political dynamics.

Relationship management

You can build and maintain strong relationships, communicate clearly and inspire others, manage conflict, and work well as a team member. Emotional intelligence is at its highest point when you can manage emotions skillfully. Emotional management includes regulating emotions, responding appropriately, and reacting to others’ emotions.

How Important Is Emotional Intelligence?

We all know that even the most intelligent people don’t always make it to the top or have the best lives. Most people know someone who is brilliant intellectually but awkward socially and fails in their work or relationships. Both Emotional Quotient and Intelligent Quotient can be used in conjunction, and they work well together.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Our Life

Think Before You React

Emotionally intelligent people know that emotions can be strong, but they also have a temporary nature. If you are experiencing a high-stakes emotional event, such as anger at a coworker, it is important to be emotionally intelligent and take time before reacting; this allows everyone to calm down and think rationally about the circumstances.

Greater self-awareness

Emotionally intelligent people can think about the feelings of others and understand their own emotions.

Self-awareness allows people to consider all the factors that influence their emotions.

Empathy for others

This involves imagining how you would react if you were in the exact same situation.

People with strong emotional intelligence can see the perspectives, emotions, and experiences of others and use that information to explain why they behave as they do.

Your performance at work or school

Emotional intelligence is a critical component of your ability to navigate the social complexities at work, motivate others and excel in your job. Many companies consider emotional intelligence to be as important as technical abilities when assessing job candidates. They also use Emotional Quotient testing before hiring.

Your physical health

You are likely not managing your emotions if you can’t manage your stress; this could lead to serious health issues. Learning how to manage stress is an excellent step in improving your emotional intelligence.

Your mental well-being

Stress and uncontrolled emotions can have a negative impact on your mental health and make you more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. 

Your relationships

Understanding your emotions and learning how to control them will help you communicate how you feel and understand the feelings of others. 

Your social intelligence 

Being able to feel your emotions and connect with others serves a social purpose. Social intelligence allows you to identify friends from foes, assess another person’s interests, reduce stress, balance your nervous system through social communication, and feel loved.

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Read More: Let Go of Your Ego and Live a Better Life

Read More: Building Self-Discipline

Read More: The Importance of Personal Development and Self-Improvement

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How to Build Your Emotional Intelligence

Self-management

When we are stressed out, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose control. You can manage stress without letting upsetting information override your thoughts or self-control. You will be able to make decisions that control your impulsive emotions and behaviors, manage your emotions in healthy and positive ways, take responsibility for your actions, follow through with commitments and adapt to changing situations.

Self-awareness

Understanding emotion and how it influences your thoughts and actions is essential.

Introspection, a process of self-awareness that involves contemplating and analyzing your behaviour and thoughts, is among the main characteristics that distinguish human beings from animals. We are naturally interested in our own lives. We replay our events and experiences in the desire to understand the person we are and what we’re like. How often do we set aside time to think about ourselves?

Continue Reading: The Importance of Introspection: Tips to Increase Self-Awareness

Mindfulness 

Refers to the practice of consciously focusing your attention on what is happening right now, without judgment. 

Social awareness and Relationship management

You can develop more social/emotional skills to make your relationships more productive, fruitful, and satisfying once you have emotional awareness.

Conclusion

Research shows that those with greater emotional intelligence have more successful careers and are happier in their relationships.

You can increase your emotional intelligence by thinking about how to make yourself more attractive, charismatic, and interesting to others; this will help boost your self-esteem.