Build Relationships with Emotional Intelligence

Building relationships with emotional intelligence is a key skill for forming meaningful, long-lasting connections with others. Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ (Emotional Quotient), involves recognizing, understanding, managing, and using emotions effectively in social interactions.

When you become more emotionally intelligent you build great networks and become more altruistic.

Here are some strategies to build relationships with emotional intelligence: Being Self-aware.  Understand your own emotions and reflect on your feelings and recognize how they affect your thoughts and behaviours. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in emotional intelligence to improve self-awareness.

Self-regulation. Manage your emotions and learn to control impulsive reactions and choose appropriate responses, even in challenging situations. I have had to learn this as I’m very impulsive and have been known to sometimes speak my mind too quick.

Practice stress management techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or exercise to stay emotionally balanced. Having empathy and put yourself in others' shoes: Try to understand the emotions, perspectives, and needs of those you interact with.

Be an active listener and pay close attention to what others are saying, without interrupting or judging. Show empathy through your body language and responses.

Have good social skills and effective communication: Develop your verbal and non-verbal communication skills to express yourself clearly and respectfully.

Conflict resolution. Learn how to manage disagreements and conflicts constructively, aiming for win-win solutions. That is always best.

Collaborative teamwork. Build trust and cooperation by fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere in group settings.

Emotional awareness in others and observe non-verbal cues: Pay attention to facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice to gauge others' emotions.

Ask open-ended questions and encourage others to share their feelings and thoughts, allowing for deeper and more meaningful conversations.

Be authenticity and genuine. It is crucial in building trust and credibility in relationships. Be true to yourself while respecting the values and boundaries of others. I always share my struggles and wins, that way it builds trust and credibility.

Share your own emotions and where  appropriate, express your feelings to create a sense of vulnerability and connection.

Be adaptability and flexible. Be open to adapting your communication style and approach to suit the needs and preferences of different individuals.

Adjust to changing circumstances.  Be resilient and adaptive when faced with unexpected challenges or shifts in the relationship dynamic.

Be patient. I have also had to work on this, as I want everything yesterday. Give others time and space to express themselves and process their emotions. Avoid rushing into judgments or conclusions about people's feelings or behaviours. Appreciation and validation. Acknowledge and validate others' emotions and experiences. Show appreciation for their contributions and efforts. Provide constructive feedback when necessary, emphasizing the positive aspects.

Continuous development. Commit to lifelong learning and self-improvement in emotional intelligence. Seek feedback from others to understand how your emotional intelligence impacts your relationships and adjust accordingly. Building relationships with emotional intelligence takes time and practice, but it can lead to more fulfilling personal and professional connections and contribute to your overall well-being.

I hope this has been helpful today.