What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking in the automotive engineering profession?

1 Assess your EI

The first step to improve your EI is to assess your current level and identify your strengths and weaknesses. There are various tools and tests that can help you measure your EI, such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) or the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i). These tests can give you feedback on different aspects of EI, such as perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions. You can also ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, or mentors, and compare their perceptions with your own.

2 Learn from others

One of the best ways to improve your EI is to learn from others who have high EI and observe how they handle different situations. You can look for role models in your workplace, industry, or personal network, and ask them for advice or guidance. You can also seek mentoring or coaching from someone who can help you develop your EI skills and challenge you to grow. Additionally, you can read books, articles, or podcasts that offer insights and tips on EI, such as Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, or The Emotionally Intelligent Engineer by David E. Goldberg.

3 Practice EI skills

Developing emotional intelligence requires practice and repetition. To do so, you can listen actively and empathetically to others, expressing your emotions clearly and managing your stress levels in healthy ways. Additionally, you should seek feedback and learning from your mistakes, recognize and appreciate the emotions and contributions of others, resolve conflicts constructively, and adapt to changing situations. All of these practices will help you improve your emotional intelligence skills.

4 Seek support

Improving your EI can be a difficult and long-term process, and you may encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way. Therefore, it is important to seek support from others who can help you overcome them and keep you motivated. You can join a support group or a network of professionals who share your goals and challenges, and exchange experiences and tips. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or a counselor if you have emotional issues or difficulties that affect your work performance or well-being.

5 Evaluate your progress

The final step to improve your EI is to evaluate your progress and measure your results. You can use the same tools and tests that you used to assess your EI at the beginning, and compare your scores and feedback. You can also ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, or mentors, and see if they notice any changes or improvements in your EI skills. You can also reflect on your own experiences and achievements, and celebrate your successes and milestones.