The basics of Emotional Quotient or Emotional Intelligence is explained so very well through this diagram. What do you think can increase our self-awareness and social awareness?
Understanding the entire gamut of emotions and where it lies with respect to other emotions of the same kind helps us process our own emotions and that of others better. The diagram below helped me a lot with self-awareness as well as social awareness as it helped me identify emotions better
Here are few tips which has helped me mange emotions . However, there are many others which does not work for me. Let me list out both. You never know which will work for you
Those that worked for me.
1. Compartmentalisation: I have always tried to leave personal matters and issues at home. And similarly, office work at office. The commute time functioned as a watershed and helped me compartmentalise these two aspects easily. That apart I am not a worrying kind and hence that helped.
2. Clarify: It is good to clarify before reacting. Sometimes issues can be ‘misunderstanding’ or miscommunication.
3. Never reply or make a decision when angry: In this day of instant communication, it’s easy to just shoot off an email or text that we may regret later. These reactive emails are often clouded by our feelings and not strategic. It is a good practice to let the mail rest in the draft folder for at least 12 hours. If after reading it the next day we find it okay, we can send it. A third party check also helps.
4. Be respectful: Treating our colleagues the same way we would like to be treated is a good starting point. If the person is rude, it is a clever idea to ignore. When we are extra polite with rude people, we show them a mirror which is often more effective than shouting back. Assertiveness wins the battle more than aggression.
Those that works for others.
1. Deep breathing & relaxation techniques: This helps with emotions like anxiety, worry, frustration and anger. A walk to cool down, listening to some relaxing music are other techniques in use.
2. The 10-second rule: This is especially helpful when feeling angry, frustrated or even irate. Counting to 10 to recompose oneself often helps.
3. Blast your anger through exercise: For some people running, kickboxing, boxing, exercising helps. Mood enhancing endorphins and releasing the physical tension in the body helps us relax.
How to identify an Emotionally Intelligent person:
At the first glance these people appear:
1. Self-assured and confident. Not afraid to show their vulnerable side.
2. Good communicators who communicate with clarity and efficiency.
3. To be listening more than they talk.
4. To be making decisions carefully understanding multiple viewpoints.
5. Have an open mind in adverse and favourable environment.
6. To be actively seeking feedback and acting on it
When we know get to know them better, we realise they are
Authentic, honest and trusting
Calm even when pressure is high and in control of their emotions.
Resilient and motivated.
Comfortable in various social environments.
Adaptable, especially during crisis.
When with people we observe the following about them:
1. Make others feel welcome and at ease, creating a safe space for them.
2. Acknowledge others’ emotions and treat people with respect.
3. Exhibit patience, empathy, and understanding toward others.
4. Handle team conflicts with ease.
5. Assist others in times of distress.
