Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Outstanding leadership includes several competencies, with Emotional Intelligence (EI) near the top. Several studies underscore the importance of having EI as a leader and its power to transform teams and sometimes entire cultures. If you are a leader or working to become one, the first step is understanding the basics, how it’s measured, and common traits.
Emotional Intelligence is not only a theoretical concept but a practical tool for effective leadership. It is the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions and those of others. By developing EI, you can experience a greater sense of being in touch with yourself and your emotions, stay positive and perform well in difficult situations, build trust and rapport with your team, reduce stress, and improve teamwork. These are tangible benefits that can significantly enhance your leadership effectiveness.
So, how is Emotional Intelligence measured? Criteria Corporation states, “There are three generally accepted ways to measure EI: self-reporting, other-reporting, and ability testing.” They then define the three measurement types. Self-reporting asks candidates to evaluate themselves and is like a personality test. Other-reporting is the opposite and tasks others with rating a person’s EI. While not the best measure, it is a good way to gather valuable information. Finally, ability testing is the most reliable form of assessment because EI is skill-based.”
What factors do you look at for self-assessment? Verywell Mind shares these common traits found in those with high Emotional Intelligence:
- An ability to identify and describe what people are feeling.
- Have a keen awareness of personal strengths and limitations.
- Exhibits self-confidence and self-acceptance.
- The ability to let go of mistakes.
- Accepts and embraces change.
- A strong sense of curiosity, particularly about others.
- Shows empathy towards others.
- Eager to learn and acquire new skills.
- Expresses gratitude and is receptive to feedback.
- Accepts responsibility for mistakes.
- Efficiently manages emotions under challenging circumstances.
While some people are naturally gifted with Emotional Intelligence, others need to work to develop their skills. Some ways to improve include becoming an active listener, learning to observe nonverbal language (what others are saying without words), and developing empathy by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and gaining a better understanding of their perspective. Seek to understand why people feel the way they do, any contributing factors, and how your emotions differ. With time, you will begin to connect the role that emotions play in influencing decisions and behaviors.
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Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-emotional-intelligence-2795423
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