The Ins and Outs of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence has been dubbed “the other kind of smart” because it shares no connection to IQ. Instead, it is derived from an element of human behavior that is distinct from intellect, which goes a long way in explaining a perplexing finding –that people with average IQs outperform those with the highest IQs 70% of the time. While IQ had long been assumed to be the sole determining factor behind success, this finding set minds to ponder how and the why.

Decades of research have solidified the conclusion that emotional intelligence is the primary factor behind this odd finding, the missing link if you will. In fact, studies have found that the vast majority of top performers also score high in the emotional intelligence department. And then, not surprisingly, it’s been noted that just a small percentage of those considered to be low-end performers rank high in emotional intelligence.

The key elements that make up the scope of emotional intelligence, or EI, fit into two primary categories: personal competence and social competence.

Personal competence focuses on the individual and his/her ability to keep emotions and behavior in check. It encompasses—

• Self-awareness
• Self-regulation
• Motivation

Social competence focuses on one's ability to read other people’s moods, motives, and messages to facilitate more successful interactions. This focus involves—

• Empathy
• Social skills
• Relationship management

The good news is that, unlike intelligence that remains a fixed component, skills associated with emotional intelligence are flexible and can be acquired or improved upon with practice. Tests such as this one can assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of your current emotional intelligence. Armed with the results, you can then forge a path towards a greater awareness of emotional intelligence.

Consider how these EI-building tips can help to boost this vital set of skills and help advance your career.

• Manage stress
  Less stress equals better management of emotions and behaviors. So, make a conscious effort to prioritize those things, activities, and people who positively impact your stress level.  

• Develop thicker skin
  Learning to take constructive feedback and advice will improve your self-awareness and will probably notch up your ability to connect well with others, too. It will take practice along with some hidden teeth-grinding but remind yourself that thin skin does not mesh with career development. 

• Consciously adjust your thinking
  Adopt a best-case scenario mindset—even and especially if it seems as foreign as another language. Remind yourself how tiring it is to be around folks who always assume the worst and vow to be nothing like them.

• Make time for relaxation and sleep
  Permitting ourselves to relax opens the door to emotional health; in the same way, a lack of sleep saps emotional energy, causing us to shut down emotionally. So, make a point to get adequate sleep consistently. Engage in fun, recreational activities from reading to video games to sports and exercise. Learn the value of downtime.

With emotional intelligence, we have gained a deeper understanding of ourselves, impacting how we relate to others in the workplace. Being aware of and striving to develop these personal and social core competencies can help benefit your personal growth and career development.