What do you do if your emotional intelligence is hindering your relationships with colleagues and clients?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own and others' emotions, and to use them effectively in various situations. EI is a valuable skill for business administration, as it can help you communicate better, collaborate more, and resolve conflicts faster with colleagues and clients. However, sometimes your EI can also hinder your relationships, especially if you are too sensitive, reactive, or detached from the emotions of others. In this article, you will learn some tips on how to improve your EI and avoid common pitfalls that can damage your professional reputation and performance.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 3 contributions. Learn more

1 Assess your EI level

The first step to improve your EI is to know where you stand. There are many online tests and tools that can help you measure your EI level and identify your strengths and weaknesses. For example, you can try the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal by TalentSmart, which gives you a score and feedback on four key areas of EI: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. You can also ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, or mentors, who can give you a different perspective on how you handle emotions at work.

Add your perspective

Marie Pereira

Transactional Analyst
Report contribution
EQ is emotional quotient. You can measure this with a test. Always, in EI, before reacting to any situation, think . That's the rule. How you are going to react.

Like

2 Learn from your mistakes

The second step to improve your EI is to learn from your mistakes. No one is perfect, and everyone can make errors in judgment or behavior when dealing with emotions. The important thing is to acknowledge your mistakes, apologize when necessary, and seek to improve your skills. For example, if you realize that you overreacted to a negative feedback from a client, you can reflect on what triggered your response, how it affected the situation, and what you can do differently next time. You can also ask for advice from someone who has more experience or expertise in handling similar situations.

Add your perspective

Marie Pereira

Transactional Analyst
Report contribution
EI is addressed in Mindfulness in Australia and there is a Mindfulness Summit in India annually I will try to post the email ID in my LinkedIn page. Daniel Goleman is the authority or originator of EI.

Like

3 Practice mindfulness

The third step to improve your EI is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindfulness can help you improve your EI by enhancing your self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. For example, you can practice mindfulness by meditating regularly, focusing on your breath, body, and sensations, and observing your thoughts and emotions without reacting to them. You can also practice mindfulness by listening actively to others, being empathetic, and expressing gratitude.

Add your perspective

Marie Pereira

Transactional Analyst
Report contribution
There are 2 books by Daniel Goleman on EI. The theme running through the books is richoting or short- circuitry of emotions. From the amygdala, the seat of emotion in humans. He also talks of PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder which is due to repeated traumatic events in life, like molestation in childhood.

Like

4 Seek feedback and support

The fourth step to improve your EI is to seek feedback and support. Feedback and support can help you monitor your progress, identify your blind spots, and overcome your challenges. You can seek feedback and support from various sources, such as your colleagues, managers, mentors, coaches, or friends. For example, you can ask for constructive feedback on your performance, behavior, or communication skills, and use it to set goals and action plans. You can also ask for support when you face difficulties, such as stress, conflict, or uncertainty, and learn from others' experiences and strategies.

Add your perspective

5 Keep learning and growing

The fifth step to improve your EI is to keep learning and growing. EI is not a fixed trait that you are born with or without. It is a skill that you can develop and improve throughout your life. Therefore, you should always be open to new opportunities, challenges, and experiences that can help you enhance your EI. For example, you can read books, articles, or blogs on EI, attend workshops, webinars, or courses on EI, or join online or offline communities or networks that focus on EI. You can also seek new roles, projects, or tasks that can expose you to different situations, people, and emotions, and help you practice your EI skills.

Add your perspective

6 Enjoy the benefits

The sixth and final step to improve your EI is to enjoy the benefits. EI can bring you many benefits, not only for your relationships with colleagues and clients, but also for your personal and professional growth. EI can help you improve your communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills, which can enhance your productivity, performance, and satisfaction at work. EI can also help you improve your well-being, happiness, and resilience, which can reduce your stress, anxiety, and burnout. EI can also help you achieve your goals, fulfill your potential, and create positive impact in your organization and society.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Business Administration

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Report this article

You're facing constant client demands for project updates. How do you navigate delays effectively?

See all

What do you do if your emotional intelligence is hindering your relationships with colleagues and clients?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your EI level

2 Learn from your mistakes

3 Practice mindfulness

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Keep learning and growing

6 Enjoy the benefits

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Administration

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Business Administration

More relevant reading

What do you do if your emotional intelligence is hindering your relationships with colleagues and clients?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your EI level

2 Learn from your mistakes

3 Practice mindfulness

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Keep learning and growing

6 Enjoy the benefits

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Administration

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills