What do you do if your emotional intelligence needs a boost?

Implement the "Emotional Intelligence Self-Assessment": Begin by candidly evaluating your current level of emotional intelligence. Reflect on recent interactions and consider feedback from colleagues or friends. Are there recurring patterns where you could have managed situations better? Recognizing your emotional strengths and weaknesses is the first step towards improvement. Without judgment, acknowledge areas for growth; this will set the stage for targeted development.

A great way to assess is to request a "360 feedback" assessment (ask your Talent or HR partner). OR, if you just need some good old fashioned encouragement, identify 3-5 people that know you well and think favorably of you and ask them these 3 questions: 1. What do you see as my greatest traits? 2. Why would you hire me? 3. Share with me one area that you feel I could use more self awareness. These will help kickstart positive motivation and where to start for change.

Enhancing emotional intelligence (EI) is not just about personal growth; it's a strategic career move. In today's collaborative work environments, high EI is often correlated with leadership success and improved team dynamics. Starting with self-assessment, as the article suggests, is crucial because it lays the foundation for genuine improvement. By acknowledging areas for growth without self-judgment, individuals can create a focused plan for developing their EI, which is increasingly recognized as a key differentiator in career advancement.

Implement the "External Feedback Strategy": To gain an outside perspective on your emotional intelligence, actively seek feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or a coach. Ask them to be honest about how they perceive your emotional interactions and where they think you could improve. This step requires vulnerability but is invaluable for gaining insights you might be blind to. Remember, the goal is to grow, so approach this feedback with an open mind and a willingness to change.

Seeking external feedback is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence development. It not only illuminates blind spots but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and openness. This process, while initially uncomfortable, is crucial for personal growth and professional advancement. Embracing vulnerability in this way can significantly enhance one's leadership capabilities and interpersonal relationships.

Another way to seek feedback is through a specific tool designed to measure your EQ (emotional intelligence.) The best tools are administered via a trusted company specializing in EQ feedback. Use an assessment and schedule a consult to get accurate, timely feedback about your EQ as it is today. You'll hear about areas your doing really well at right now. You can use that input to lean into those areas, offering your positive EQ to your sphere of influence. You'll hear about areas where your EQ is lower right now. You can use that input to concentrate on one or two areas you want to improve over the next number of months and set up a plan to accomplish your goals. The feedback is a tool to help you raise your overall EQ 'score'.

Implement the "Active Listening Technique": Empathy is a key component of emotional intelligence that involves understanding others' feelings and perspectives. To enhance your empathy, practice active listening in conversations. Focus on truly hearing what the other person is saying without immediately formulating a response. Try to put yourself in their shoes and see the situation from their viewpoint. This practice will help you develop stronger, more empathetic responses in your interactions.

Empathy not only enhances personal relationships but is increasingly recognized as a critical skill in the workplace. By practicing active listening and empathy, professionals can foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment. This skill is particularly vital in leadership roles, where understanding and addressing team members' concerns can lead to higher engagement and productivity.

Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine is not just beneficial for your emotional intelligence, but it also enhances overall productivity and creativity. Activities like meditation and exercise don't just reduce stress; they stimulate new neural connections in the brain, fostering improved problem-solving and decision-making skills. This holistic approach to managing stress can significantly elevate your professional performance and interpersonal relationships.

Implement the "Stress Reduction Technique": It's crucial to develop strategies for effectively managing stress. Find activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy. When you're less stressed, you'll find it easier to remain calm and clear-headed, which is essential for making emotionally intelligent decisions.

Implement the "Daily Reflection Technique": At the end of each day, take a few moments to reflect on your emotional responses to different situations. Think about the emotions you experienced, how you expressed them, and the outcomes of your interactions. Were there moments you could have handled differently? Reflecting on these questions will help you become more mindful of your emotional patterns and learn from your experiences.

Investing in enhancing your EI is valuable. Emotional Intelligence isn't fixed; it evolves over time. If you put the effort in, your EI will develop over the course of your entire life! Individuals in their 60s, 70s, and beyond often exhibit high EQ due to life experiences. Given this, the time and energy you put into developing your EI now is with the effort and will pay dividends not only in your career but well into your later years.