How To Boost Your Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) refers to a skills set that’s vital for all areas of our lives. The good news is, it can be cultivated and improved

While IQ is a cognitive intelligence measurable through testing and gauged using a standardised scale, EQ refers to the ability to navigate, understand and manage our own and others’ emotions. It requires us to manoeuvre our way through complex interactions of knowledge and behaviour, and constantly adapt this understanding to new people, situations and circumstances.

Ultimately, emotional intelligence strengthens both our sense of empathy and self-awareness, which are integral to relationships of every kind, as well as to our overall happiness and success. It’s considered by many to be a more valuable form of intelligence than IQ – research has shown that those with a higher EQ tend to do better in business and other areas of life, even compared with those with a higher IQ.

AT WORK

Most of us have to deal with difficult personalities at some point in our careers, whether they’re gossipy co-workers, unmotivated slackers or overbearing bosses (see our advice on handling a toxic colleague on page 40). Improving your EQ is the best way to learn to confidently and professionally navigate any difficulties (and opportunities) that arise. Strong EQ is also widely regarded as an essential characteristic of a good leader and has been linked to greater jobsatisfaction. People with a high EQ display the following traits at work:

Self-efficacy, making them more confident in their abilities to cope with the demands of their jobs and achieve targets and goals.

Diligence, having control over their impulses and the desire to work hard.

Emotional stability, which helps them withstand stress and manage emotions well.

Empathy, and the ability to combine reasoning and emotion. This also helps them establish healthy and productive working relationships.