Here's how you can boost your emotional intelligence as a renewable energy professional.

Once at work I went through an episode of uncontrolled anxiety, a crisis that prevented me from working for a few days. Relatively new markets with great growth potential have a very busy dynamic, with a huge amount of information arriving every day. Technologies advance at a speed that is difficult to keep up with. All of this generates anxiety and the perception that we are falling behind. All emotions can be beneficial, as long as they don't get out of control. Know what affects you, what takes you off center. Find your emotional center and don't allow the external to take you away from there.

In my experience, whenever we use our own measures to evaluate someone else's behavior, we run the risk of making mistakes. For an assertive assessment, it is necessary to understand the point of view of whoever is listening to us and always avoid judgments that go beyond the subject in question. We lose nothing by being kind or understanding and acting this way does not mean being complacent with bad behavior.

When communicating with others. By paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, you can better understand your counterparts and ensure effective communication. Focus on the speaker.. Show interest through eye contact and nodding. Avoid interrupting; let them finish their thoughts. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Are they leaning in, smiling, or showing signs of discomfort? Did they seem engaged, confused, or disinterested? Write down your observations to learn from them. If you’re unsure, ask open-ended questions. Encourage your counterpart to share their perspective. Effective communication involves not only expressing your message but also understanding how it’s received.

Training Programs: Participate in EI training programs and workshops. These programs often provide practical tools and techniques for improving EI. Read and Research: Read books and articles on emotional intelligence. Authors like Daniel Goleman offer valuable insights into the subject. Mentorship: Seek mentorship from professionals known for their high EI. Learn from their experiences and approaches to managing emotions and relationships.

Applying EI in Renewable Energy Projects Stakeholder Engagement: Use empathy and social skills to engage effectively with stakeholders, understanding their concerns and communicating the benefits of renewable energy projects. Team Leadership: Lead teams by example, demonstrating emotional intelligence in your interactions. Create an inclusive and supportive work environment. Change Management: Apply EI to manage change within projects. Understand the emotional impact of change on team members and stakeholders, and provide support during transitions.