Maximizing Your Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotion, a photo by kenyin on Flickr.

Emotional Intelligence is a strong predictor of job performance. It’s been determined to be a driver of leadership.  Intellectual Intelligence had long been the yardstick that we used to measure career success, but it is incomplete.

If Emotional Intelligence is so important, we need to pay more attention to it.

Think of it this way. Your IQ is your gift—your raw logic—and how you are intellectually hard-wired. Your Emotional Quotient determines what you end up doing with these smarts. It’s about inspiring peers and others, responding and managing appropriately to the emotions of coworkers and bosses. It’s about managing criticism in a positive way.

Becoming more “emotionally evolved” can be learned. According to Helpguide.org, there are five key skills required for you to build a strong EI Quotient:

·      Develop your ability to reduce stress

·      Recognize and manage your emotions

·      Connect with others with verbal and non-verbal communication

·      Use humor and play to deal with challenges

·      Resolve conflicts positively and with confidence

Much of these skills equate to maturity.

If you stay focused at work and pick your fights carefully, you can walk away from toxic people and throw prayers of love their way instead of harsh thoughts. You will put your Emotional Intelligence to work.

Can you disengage from a conflict that you know will never change? Will you agree to disagree?

Can you listen with empathy to the plight of your boss when he’s having a bad day—and accept that his anger isn’t about you but he may have had a fight with his wife that morning?

Can you offer a genuine connection with your coworkers, or is the sound of your own voice more appealing to you than listening to others?

Your potential at work will be realized when your Emotional Intelligence is developed to a point when you can express yourself not at the expense of others. Self-control makes you socially responsible. You’ll be perceived as a loyal employee who is adaptable and caring.

You’ll be able to manage your time better, manage your teamwork and develop your leadership skills. Can you think of a better combination for career success?http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq5_raising_emotional_intelligence.htmHelpguide.orgHelpguide.org