EQ Leading the way…
Today, Emotional Intelligence, or EQ as it is popularly recognised, has pushed its counterpart to the back seat, being the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Our IQ level is measured against our ability to solve problems and is a number derived from a series of tests representing the relative intelligence of a person. However, these series of tests do not assess a person’s emotional competencies — all of which complement the main aspect of the game, that is, Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
What is Emotional Intelligence? Why is it a Game Changer?
Gone are the days when intellect mattered over everything else! Today, in the abundance of intelligence and skill set that is uniquely possessed by each one of us, there is something more emerging though not new in terms of a known skill, called Emotional Intelligence that matters most. EQ, which became popular in the 90s, refers to the ability for someone to understand, foresee, be aware of and then control a situation by being able to express their emotions and responses in a wise and empathetic manner. Their competencies recognise their own best interest, while also considering the interests of others.
A survey by
YouGov, found that
65% of Australian workers said their manager struggles with ”soft” skills. With communication considered the top ”soft” skill, it is when we leverage our EQ in which our emotional competencies underlie, ironically, that these are in fact the “hard” skills to learn and develop. These “hard” skills take the lead in effective communication, leadership, problem-solving and relationship management in both personal life and in the workplace.
Another aspect to understanding Emotional Intelligence is that it can be practiced and mastered. Not all are born with this naturally, so let’s look at how you can move your EQ skills forward with patience and practice…
Emotional Intelligence is usually defined by the following…
Emotional Intelligence is a multiplex model and has evolved as a mixture of many sub-components. If you can master all of them, it is the best scenario, however, it is usually observed that some people are dominant in some of these skills, while some practice the other ones better. Carefully read and analyse where you lack or excel. We have decompartmentalized the concept of EQ quite comprehensively.
Self-Awareness
Recognising a feeling as it happens and being able to observe each feeling from moment to moment. It is much easier to have greater certainty and direction in our lives when you can practice a deeper understanding of self. You can recognise and work on your own strengths and weaknesses if you do this step right. Self-awareness also helps one rid the self-biases and complexes, in a more fluid manner. This includes having a sure sense or knowing when making a personal decision, whether that be accepting a new job, choosing to end a relationship or starting a business.
Social Awareness
Empathy and attention are the special ingredients to social awareness. Empathy means to understand how the other person interprets and how he or she feels in a particular situation. You are more attentive to the subtle social cues, pre-incident indicators and signals that stipulate what others need or want. By recognising these behavioural patterns, you can choose your response wisely if you analyse your environments with closer attention.
Self-Management
This is a key element of EQ. If you practice the management of your emotions and learn to bring them to your awareness as they appear, it means you have a higher ability in behaving in such a manner that is socially wise and in congruence with yourself and those around you. You will tend to be assertive in your approach, express your feelings directly and feel positive emotions about yourself. Of-course this needs some practice but allowing yourself to see past the emotion for what it is, rather than defining your entire self and character by one emotion. This is the element needed in aligning your words with your actions.
Relationship Management
The golden rule of clear, convincing, and concise communication still holds true in our age. The foundations of relationship management are such communication skills. A large element of EQ is the ability to manage the emotions in others. These are the natural born leaders, the social stars, the ones who have an ability to form rapport and great relationships. These are skills that are highlighted in smooth interactions and conversations. Personal connection, negotiating solutions, social analysis and group organisation form the key components of effective relationship management. Those with high interpersonal intelligence, of which EQ is formed, know how to instill these into their everyday interactions and maintain long-term connections.
How does our Level of EQ Impact our Communication?
Emotional Intelligence is nothing but an aftermath proceeding of all the four components stated above, interacting with each other in our psyche. But these four components are already ingrained into our subconscious. These are shaped out of experiences (as we grow) and genetics (as we are born) and solidified into our subconscious state, until someone has practiced modifying and developing their EQ at a conscious level. So initially our level of EQ impacts our communication, but at a later stage, people who have higher EQ skills understand the continual need for improvement.
Some Facts on Emotional Intelligence
- The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, reported emotional intelligence as one of the top 10 job skills in 2020.
- According to a survey from Levo Institute, 80% of employees consider emotional intelligence crucial for developing their careers.
- According to one study titled, The Emotional Intelligence of HR, only 30% of companies look for emotional intelligence during the hiring process.
- Approximately 82% of global companies now utilise EQ tests for executive positions; 72% of these companies give the tests to middle management and only 59% of companies give the tests to entry-level positions.
The Cost of Emotional Illiteracy
We must touch on the cost of emotional illiteracy, which is huge and disastrous (Franchetti, 2016). The first and foremost manifestation are challenges that you will face in relationships, which otherwise could have been simple conversations and assertive action when using our EQ. These include our romantic relationships, friendships, family and work relationships. Social anxiety, withdrawal and avoidance, depression, attention deficit, aggressive behaviours and negligence in workplaces all emerge due to emotional illiteracy. So, the practice and development of Emotional Intelligence will benefit you by learning and having an understanding as to where your emotions stem from, why these emotions impact you negatively or positively and why someone else’s situation might impact yours.
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