How we process our emotions and socially interact and receive other people’s emotions is a huge factor in our success as a leader. Successful leadership is not just about wit or revenue but is largely based on our ability to emotionally and mentally adjust to vast changes, upsets and challenges. Leading an organization will present every type of emotion and our response to these emotions will shape our outcomes and organization's morale. You should know the state of your emotional intelligence and how to better improve your coping and adjusting methods.
What is your EQ?
An EQ measures your ability to balance emotions and empathize with others. A high EQ is indicative of being able to decipher both your emotions as well as others. You potentially have a high EQ if you are easily able to:
Recognize your stressors.
Admit when you are wrong or need help.
Control your emotions and avoid poor decision making.
You are empathetic to others.
You are optimistic.
You are confident in your social skills.
You are easily self motivated.
You are calm in a crisis and seek solutions.
Your EQ needs improvement if:
You feel you are right most of the time.
You are too prideful to lean on others.
You are quick to blame others for their own problems.
You are pessimistic.
You feel socially awkward.
You struggle to motivate yourself and ignite your passions.
You panic in a crisis and avoid your problems.
If you struggle with emotional intelligence it’s okay. Strong emotional intelligence comes over time. It is developed through experience and growing pains. If you are not confident in how you currently handle your emotions and the emotions of others you have not experienced life enough. Real life experiences coupled with the following will increase your emotional intelligence:
Learn to pace yourself. Every situation does not require an immediate response. It’s okay to slow down and process things.
Practice humility. Reminding yourself that the world, your vision, and the long-term goals of your colleagues etc are bigger than you will help you to become empathetic.
Face what triggers you. Become proactive to these triggers versus being reactive.
Embrace techniques such as journaling and deep breathing to manage stress and anxiety.
Practice self regulation by taking accountability for all of your actions.
Celebrate all wins large or small to avoid burnouts and boost your own motivation.
Set long-term goals to help you focus on what matters to you.
Dedicate yourself to being an active listener so that you can fully understand the emotions and needs of others.
Work on not interrupting others.
Open yourself up to developing trust with others.
Research has proven that emotionally intelligent people make great leaders. You can be brilliant and great at generating revenue and that will keep you employed and well compensated but strong emotional intelligence will cause you to be respected as a leader and draw people to you. One of the biggest benefits of a strong emotional intelligence is the ability to adapt. Business, family, and life in general are full of ups and downs. There is never a straight path to success and happiness. The ability to adapt and adjust to the challenges and circumstances that life brings your way is crucial to your success and your ability to lead others.
If this inspires you and you want more thoughtful commentary and discussions on leadership, success, professionalism, and more subscribe to my YouTube Channel here: http://bit.ly/DialogueWithDallas
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