Emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient (EQ) skills, are critical for self-leadership, interpersonal relationships, effective human performance, and advancement.
What you say – and don’t say – makes a difference.
When you lead or manage others, your words, actions, and behaviors convey what’s important to you. This includes expressing appreciation on a regular basis, not just special occasions.
Communicating how you feel and what you appreciate about the people in your life instills confidence and empowers them. Boosting self-esteem in others is a great way to convey thanks while evoking your own feel-good hormones—dopamine, endorphin, and serotonin—which promote happiness and well-being.
If you refrain from voicing your thoughts or gratitude, you can easily send mixed messages. Others may feel unnoticed and taken for granted. In turn, they may alter their behavior and assume the worst.
Emotional intelligence skills are learned.
With awareness and practice, you can develop and sharpen your EQ. The Multi-Health Systems’ Emotional Quotient Inventory assessments (EQ-i 2.0® and EQ 360®) apply decades of emotional intelligence research in five composite areas—all interrelated—with their corresponding competencies, which also equate to an overall “Well-being/Happiness” score.
In terms of how you express, assert, and self-direct yourself, these capabilities are essential to showing up, contributing, communicating, and connecting with others while maintaining healthy boundaries. And, by setting the example, you encourage others to speak up and be more engaged versus limiting what can and cannot be discussed.
As Dr. Seuss wrote in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”:
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”
Imagine how great it would feel not only to hear something like that said to you, but also to say it to others.
Create meaningful moments with others.
Acts of kindness and recognition do not need to be lavish to foster the attitude of gratitude. Setting a daily or weekly intention to notice and acknowledge another’s contributions, saying thank you to those who make a positive impact, and actively listening to allow others to feel seen and heard are potent ways to show respect and deepen relationships through courageous communication.
Not surprisingly, your upbringing and surroundings play a vital role in your comfort level with emotions. To live in congruence with how you feel, think, and act, and genuinely share these feelings, here are some questions to consider:
- Are you aware of your emotions and what brings them to the surface?
- Do your emotions impact your performance?
- Are you easily affected by other people’s emotions?
- When emoting, do your words and body language align?
- Do you consider other points of view before expressing your opinions?
Deepen your perspective to activate your best.
Every individual has a specific style and preference when conversing. When you’re in a healthy state of mind, you’ll interact more positively and amplify the importance of diverse thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Turn insight into action through various assessments as the foundation for professional development and growth.
If you’re interested in exploring how your mind, body, and heart influence your thoughts, the choices you see, the actions you take, and the outcomes you get, I’d be delighted to speak with you. Use this link to schedule a call with me.