WHAT IS EQ FOR REAL?
The emotional Intelligence Quotient (also referred to as EQ) is the measure of the ability to cope with and adapt to stressful situations or crisis. Being able to effectively manage emotions, while simultaneously understanding and accepting the feelings of others require a certain discipline and skill. Incorporating a multidimensional, high-EQ in your personal and professional life is both reputable and elevating. Why? You ask! Bottom line, an improved EQ is the catalyst to experiencing a stress-reduced and supportive workplace culture.
SELF-AWARENESS
Now that you are well-versed in the concept, you are probably wondering….
So, if I’m in a crisis, it is my responsibility to not only understand, manage and apply my own emotions but to also focus on being empathetic to the other persons involved? And, how am I supposed to do that – I can’t control them?
It would be ungracious of me to tell you that working towards emotional literacy is a walk in the park! But, I will tell you this; its impact is worth the work. It often leads to a more abundant culture and career. Moreover, because self-awareness is at the core of everything, considering emotional and social intelligence is far more influential within your organization than IQ or intelligence.
SELF-MANAGEMENT
Even as there are several components to Emotional Intelligence, the overall action plan is to build relationships, defuse conflict, and reduce team stress; coupled with improving job performance and satisfaction. Would you agree that the influx of mixed emotions in modern society has rendered solidarity almost inconceivable? Taking steps to manage stress or revamp the process of overcoming challenges should always be a priority. A healthy action plan ultimately leverages business growth and goals. That said, nothing is insurmountable if one is resilient enough. Let’s start with the regulation!
Self-regulation is a discipline of EQ and it is impossible without self-control. While thriving to manage the multitude of emotions that you will experience, you are only expected to ascertain the effect of others. Albeit, executives are expected to show compassion, to be charismatic and approachable. For the most part, high-EQ people can express themselves openly, and respectfully without the fear of offending teams, co-workers, or employees. Executives exhibit resilience when introducing new initiatives for solidarity, yet it is vital that they stay mindful that they can only control themselves. You are absolutely right, you cannot control others! So, pay close attention to your own thoughts, words, choices, actions, reactions, and finally, your future! Influence and Innovation will absolutely transform how your team thinks and acts. Moreover, prioritizing psychological safety, to emphasize mind + body wellness is both revitalizing and effective!
EMPATHY
And finally, demonstrate that you are empathetic and possess skillful insight into your emotional state. Be conscious of how your emotional state is highly influential to the team’s decision-making and cognition. You are not accepting control of them, you are simply guiding and motivating them to lessen their anxiety and stress. The Cognitive Triangle illustrates that as you feel the rising tension, (the situation), make healthy choices, (thoughts, emotions, and behaviors).
When you communicate effectively, it quantifies the aptitude to energize and inspires confidence. Executives thrive to get the best out of their team, while also achieving well-deserved personal and professional goals.
EMPATHY INSIGHT
- Establish authentic empathetic relationships
- Practice active listening and be reflective
- Paraphrase – void of judgment
- Establish boundaries (be empathetic, not sympathetic)
- Tap into wellness resources
- Prioritize an emotional and mental + physical wellness environment
On the executive level, you can control and create initiatives to tackle emotional distress throughout your organization. Elevating self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy in the workforce suggests that you recognize and accept the need for change, then immediately become that catalyst for change.