Written by Suzi Freeman | Elite Minds Consulting | KNOW Phoenix
Emotional intelligence (EI) or (EQ) is the capacity to be aware of and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.
It has been shown to be a key predictor of success in life, both personally and professionally.
Managing emotions is not only incredibly important in our personal lives but is also crucial in the workplace.
In fact, a large body of research has shown that emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills for success in the workplace.
Some of the benefits of having high emotional intelligence at work include:
- Greater job satisfaction and motivation
- Higher levels of productivity
- improved collaborative teamwork
- Reduced stress and better coping with workplace challenges
- Enhanced leadership skills
How can you develop your emotional intelligence?
Here are some tips:
1. Be aware of your emotions
The first step to managing your emotions is simply being aware of them. Pay attention to how you’re feeling throughout the day and why. Remember, your thoughts create your emotions, so pay attention to how you think.
2. Identify your triggers
Once you’re aware of your emotions, it’s important to identify what triggers them. This can help you to avoid or manage situations that make you feel negative emotions. For example, you can do a quick exercise and think about an emotion you are feeling, go back over it step by step in your mind and track the steps if you can to help identify the triggers. For example, was it an email with a specific title, from a particular person, etc.? Was it your kids dropping their backpacks on the floor and walking away?
3. Manage your stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but it can have a negative impact on your emotional state. Learning how to manage stress can help you to keep your emotions in check. For example, if you find yourself in a stressful situation, you can practice square breathing: Breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, pause for 4 seconds, and repeat as long as necessary to calm down. You can also try EFT (Emotional Freedom Tapping).
4. Communicate effectively
Effective communication is essential for managing emotions, both your own and others. Communicating honestly and respectfully makes it easier to understand and positively respond to emotions.
5. Be assertive
Assertiveness is the ability to express your needs and wants respectfully. Therefore, assertiveness is important to maintain healthy and professional relationships.
6. Practice empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s an important emotional intelligence skill for managing relationships, both personal and professional.
7. Be aware of your body language
Your body language can communicate much about your feelings, even if you’re not saying anything. Attention to your body language can help you better understand and manage your emotions.
8. Practice self-care
Self-care is essential for managing emotions. When you take care of yourself physically and emotionally, it’s easier to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
9. Seek professional help
If you’re struggling to manage your emotions, seek professional help. For example, a therapist can teach healthy coping skills and support during difficult times.
10. Seek help from a professional alternative healer
You can seek help from professionals in many different modalities trained in stress management, relaxation, and more. These professional healers can be a Master NLP Practitioner, Master Hypnotherapist, Reiki, sound healers, and personal or business coaches are all good options.
Developing your emotional intelligence can take time and effort, but it’s worth it. When you have strong emotional intelligence skills, you’ll be better equipped to manage your emotions personally and professionally.
In conclusion, emotional intelligence is critical for success in the workplace. Understanding and managing your emotions can create a positive work environment, enhance your leadership skills, and build better relationships with your coworkers. With practice, anyone can develop their emotional intelligence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Suzi Freeman
Elite Minds Consulting
Suzi Freeman is a public speaker, a Neuro-Linguistics Programming Master Practitioner, TIME Techniques Master Practitioner, a Master of Hypnotherapy, an Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner, an Emotional Intelligence Educator, and Trainer in Trauma-Informed Leadership. Suzi is certified as a Suicide Recognition and Prevention (QPR) Instructor from the QPR Institute.
Suzi works with women-owned businesses and women leadership teams to create a harmonious, happy, safe work environment. You can contact Suzi at suzi@suzifreeman.com.
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