Have you ever noticed how often people talk about Intelligence Quotient (IQ), but less frequently about Emotional Quotient (EQ)?
Pretty counterproductive when you consider that EQ is a better predictor of success in personal and professional life than IQ could ever be.
EQ vs IQ
Why is that?
The answer is quite simple. EQ, as well as Emotional Intelligence (EI), are things you can grow and build over time.
Take for example an individual who you might call an “academic.” They always exceeded in their studies, went onto graduate school, earning an MBA and eventually wind up in a leadership position at a business consulting firm.
On paper, they have all the skills to make a great leader. They are intelligent, organized, committed, diligent and determined.
Yet, take that same person and throw a monkey in the wrench, and they may not react so positively.
In which textbook did they teach you how to manage your workload?
How about when two key employees can’t see eye-to-eye and are causing tension in the office?
When was the tutorial on learning self-discipline and managing team expectations, especially when things don’t go as planned?
These are all scenarios where EQ and EI come into play. As with any skill, they can be strengthened and honed, but only with practice!
Boost Your Emotional Intelligence with These Tips
Become aware of your emotions.
Not only must you become aware of your emotions, but also your triggers.
Can you notice a pattern of scenarios that cause you to become anxious, stressed, overwhelmed or angry?
When a trigger comes up, how do you react?
What behaviors do you display?
Do you lash out?
Retreat to your office?
Ask for help?
Self awareness is core to emotional intelligence.
Learn how to manage your emotions.
As a leader, you set the tone for the office. Whether you or your team members are aware of it or not, how you act and react will inevitably impact the mood of the office, the mentality of your team.
For example, if you’re easily demotivated by a set back, like losing a client, your team will feel and react in the same vein as you.
When you get in a “bad” mood, what can you do to snap out of it?
Are there certain techniques, things you can do, to lift you up?
If you know what those things are, how willing are you to put in the work to set them in motion?
Choose your emotions.
Sure, you won’t be able to control your emotions 100% of the time — you’re still human, after all!
But, there are certainly times where we do have a choice.
Have you ever noticed yourself micromanaging to the point of burnout?
Is your obsession with control actually serving you and your team?
Can you choose a different route?
When you become more aware and tuned into your emotions, you will be able to catch yourself and stop those unfavorable ones in their tracks.
Above all, acknowledge that your emotions are a choice you make and something you can totally control.
Working on your emotional intelligence, first and foremost, will make you a better leader and help you help your team.
Take the skills you’ve learned in this post and share them with your team. Imagine how present, connected and effective your team could be, if they could all tune into a higher level of emotional intelligence.
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Have you become more aware of your emotions with your team lately? Share with us in the comments below!