Numerous studies show that emotional intelligence makes a company 22x better positioned to perform at the highest standards. It also constitutes 52% of professional excellence at the individual level. The demand for the development of this indicator will increase by more than 6x in the next 3-5 years. What it is? Emotional intelligence.
Defined as the ability to understand, use and manage emotions effectively, emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential to managing the challenges of everyday life. EQ is more than much-vaunted intellectual ability and plays an important role in achieving success, cultivating strong relationships, and maintaining overall well-being.
We often hear in current speech about this executive, or this person, that he has the “school of life”, that is, he was educated from social interaction with others and acquired a set of skills that give him social efficiency. More relationships, an instant ability to understand the contexts in which one finds oneself and the factors of influence, to manage oneself emotionally, to manage others and to be perceived as a leader at the level of one’s reference group.
However, what are the key components of EQ? How can we build our solid foundation of emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence pillars
EQ has four fundamental pillars: self-control, self-knowledge, social awareness, and relationship management. What does each of these mean? Let’s discover them one by one!
Self-Control: the art of remaining calm
Let’s imagine that we feel overwhelmed by a deadline and our emotions threaten to get out of control. Self-control, a cornerstone of EQ, allows us to handle such situations with grace. It helps us control our impulsive reactions, manage our emotions in healthy ways, and maintain emotional stability even under pressure.
This ability allows for clear thinking and rational decision-making, even under difficult conditions. For example, when faced with a stressful situation, having strong self-control keeps us calm and collected, allowing us to approach the problem with a clear mind and make well-informed decisions.
Self-knowledge: the mirror that reveals you
Self-knowledge is the “cornerstone” of emotional intelligence. It’s about being able to recognize and understand our emotions and how they influence our thoughts and behaviors. It also includes recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, cultivating healthy self-esteem. This deep connection to our emotional state is crucial because it allows us to anticipate how our emotions might affect our reactions.
Attachment theory shows that our early emotional experiences shape how we perceive and react to emotions later in life. People raised in supportive environments, where their emotions were acknowledged, are more likely to see emotions as beneficial, valuable.
Conversely, those with confusing or negative early emotional experiences may struggle to connect with their emotions. Practicing mindfulness, which involves focusing on the present moment, can be a powerful tool for increasing our self-knowledge. By paying attention to our body sensations, we can reconnect with our core emotions and learn to manage them more effectively.
Social awareness: the power to put yourself others’ shoes
Social awareness, the third pillar of emotional intelligence, involves understanding and empathizing with the emotions, needs, and concerns of others. This ability allows us to notice subtle emotional cues, feel comfortable handling various social situations, and recognize power dynamics in groups. Like self-awareness, mindfulness plays a central role in social consciousness.
By being present in social interactions, we can become more adept at noticing nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. This enhanced perception allows us to gain valuable information about the emotional states and needs of others, facilitating empathy.
Let’s imagine that we are in a conversation with a friend who seems more withdrawn. Social awareness allows us to notice these cues and respond with empathy, prompting us to open up and talk about what’s bothering us.
The benefits of emotional intelligence in business
Emotional intelligence is not just a concept. It has a profound impact on various aspects of our lives. Studies have shown that a high EQ is a significant predictor of success and fulfillment, complementing and enhancing intellectual abilities.
While a strong IQ can help us get into a prestigious university, EQ equips us to handle study pressure, manage complex social dynamics, and build strong relationships with peers and professors, ultimately contributing to overall academic success.
In the professional world, a high EQ is a game-changer because it allows us to handle complex social situations at work, as well as lead and motivate others and excel in our careers.
Many companies today recognize the importance of emotional intelligence alongside technical skills and emphasize this aspect during the hiring process. This emphasizes the value of emotional intelligence in promoting collaboration, effective project management and overall job satisfaction.
Emotional intelligence and health
Our physical health is deeply connected to our emotional intelligence. Poor emotion management can lead to chronic stress, a significant risk factor for various health problems, including high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and increased risk of heart disease. By learning to manage emotions effectively, we can significantly reduce stress levels, promoting overall physical well-being and a healthier life.
Mental health is another important area of our lives where EQ plays a vital role. Uncontrolled emotions and chronic stress can contribute to the development of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. A high EQ equips us to understand and manage our emotions, helping us develop resilience to stress and the emotional challenges of everyday life.
People with developed emotional intelligence have a greater ability to recognize and express their emotions in a healthy way, build strong interpersonal relationships and maintain a positive attitude in the face of difficulties. Thus, emotional intelligence not only improves physical and mental health, but also the overall quality of life.
In conclusion
More than just cognitive intelligence, EQ gives us the skills to understand and manage our emotions, build strong relationships, and thrive in diverse environments. Emotional intelligence is a vital skill that allows us to connect with ourselves and those around us on a deeper level. By developing our emotional intelligence, we unlock our potential to live a more fulfilling, meaningful and rewarding life.
