
Do you know your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?
Whilst we might know roughly what are IQ is, studies have found that our EQ is twice as important than our IQ in order to be successful in business.
So what is Emotional Intelligence and how can we improve it?
According to Daniel Goleman there are four areas to EQ.
Self Awareness
This is the ability to know ourselves including our strengths and limitations. It’s our values, our drives, our “crumple buttons”. Do we recognise that we work better in a group environment rather than by ourselves or vice versa? Do we play to our strengths or are we good at self sabotaging? Do we know what holds us back from doing things we want to do?
Self Management
This is how we manage ourselves in all sorts of situations. Do we act appropriately in difficult situations? How do we handle stress? Self management is about how we continue to motivate ourselves and keep on track to pursue our goals, dreams and visions. Or do we let these slip?
Social Awareness
This is about our awareness of others. Do we notice and appreciate others emotions? Are we able to pick up the clues about others perceptions of themselves. How empathic are we or is there a tendency to misjudge others emotional states?
Social Management
This is the ability to engage with others, to inspire and motivate, to build effective relationships.
How well do we motivate, negotiate, resolve conflict? Can we put ourselves aside to promote and encourage others?
How Can I Improve my EQ?
Whereas our IQ and basic personality is quite fixed our emotional maturity can develop and change. If we are willing and open to change that we can enhance our EQ by not only learning more about ourselves but also by changing our patterns of behaviour and thoughts.
In business, obviously, you need to play to your strengths but you also need to be effective in your relationships. Rather than needing to be in control all the time can you relinquish some control to develop others? Be honest about your weaknesses and look at how you can turn them into a strength.
As an individual, step out of your comfort zone and be open to feedback from others. Recognise what is holding you back and take steps to move forward in all areas. If you can, be mindful of your interactions with others and forgive for past wrong doings.
Coaching and EQ
How I work gives clients the insight into their patterns of thoughts and behaviours which leads onto making changes in self and social management. Whatever the initial issue, the coaching process and other interventions such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can only enhance your EQ.
References: http://www.sonoma.edu/users/s/swijtink/teaching/philosophy_101/paper1/goleman.htm
http://www.ihhp.com/free-eq-quiz/