Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, interpret, demonstrate, control, and use emotions to communicate with and relate to others effectively and constructively.
This ability to express and control emotions is essential, but so is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. In the workplace, too, it’s really important.
Research shows that 90 percent of top performers are high in emotional intelligence.
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Social intelligence and emotional intelligence are interconnected. Social intelligence means the ability of an individual to communicate with others, while emotional intelligence means acting in accordance with the emotions of others and one’s own.
Now how are these interconnected?
The way you perceive others’ emotions determines how you treat them. This is regarded as an important human skill as it helps you develop relationships, leadership qualities, and more.
You may learn the technical skills through crash courses, but these skills are learned through a continuous process of working on yourself and others.
1. Become A People Watcher
You might have heard from a lot of people that being observant makes you a better communicator. Like being observant of my brother’s behavior helped me manipulate him to bring me water.
Pay attention to the tone of voice, facial expressions, and body movements of the person you are talking to.
If you become observant of others’ behaviour and patterns of behaviour, that is surely going to give you an edge and be better than others.
Try to analyse and think critically about the person’s behaviour.
And it’s not just important in conversations but also when you are sitting idley in a waiting room, be observant towards your fellow beings; that helps you be fluent at times when you are talking to someone.
2. Become More Aware Of Your Own Emotional Behavior
Apart from observing other people, keeping a check on yourself also comes into play.
It can make you more self-aware and, consequently, help you improve your courtesy and behaviour towards other people.
If you’re someone with the habit of projecting your emotions onto others, it’s obvious that others won’t like to be around you.
A person who projects his behaviour onto others fails to analyse other people’s emotions or even their own.
In this fast-moving world, forming an emotional bond with someone is like making an investment.
No intelligent person would invest in someone who can’t get a hold of their own emotions, let alone the world. It’s time we buckle up and become aware of our emotional behaviour.
3. Learn To Make Small Talks
We all like someone who is never short of icebreakers for a conversation.
The number one thing that repels two people in a room is the awkwardness that arises from the lack of conversation.
Learning how to start a conversation is top-notch stuff nowadays. No matter how much we hate it, small talk is an art, and blessed are those who are gifted with this art.
It gives you command of the conversation, and you end up knowing more about socialising. If you’re someone who is shy, try taking baby steps. Try talking with shopkeepers or grocery vendors.
Strike up a conversation with a random passenger on the train. Try talking to people you meet while waiting in a queue. If you aim for it in your mind, you’ll ace your small talk with a snap of the fingers.
4. Self-regulation
Self-regulation doesn’t only involve regulating oneself to follow up on routines or keep a check on the to-do list.
Keeping control of one’s emotions counts as one. Bursts of frustration and impulsive reactions harm your relationships.
People who self-regulate themselves don’t allow themselves to become too angry or show excesses of their emotions.
Think before you act.
Characteristics of self-regulation are thoughtfulness, comfort with change, integrity, and the ability to say no.
5. Practice Active Listening
Only 10% of people, according to sources, listen effectively. The use of technology, background noise, and one’s own thoughts can all lead to distraction.
However, you need to be a good listener in order to be an effective communicator.
Practice active listening to develop emotional intelligence.
Try to pay attention to what is being said and demonstrate your interest by paraphrasing and using other non-verbal indicators, such as nodding.
It will be simpler to connect with others and fully comprehend their thoughts and feelings at work if you actively listen to them.
6. Conculsion
These “intelligences” are supported by emotional and social abilities, which are the fundamental building blocks for success in many careers or leadership roles.
Your overall emotional and social intelligence will rise as a result of developing these abilities.
