You may have noticed that there’s quite a bit of new information emerging about emotional intelligence quotient (EQ). There’s a reason for this. With today’s emerging technology and fast-growing exploration into robotics, research has shown that a person’s EQ will become one’s greatest asset, and in turn command the attention of potential employers.

So, what is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is how well individuals identify and manage their own emotions and react to the emotions of others. It’s understanding how those emotions shape one’s thoughts and actions so one can have greater control over one’s behaviour. In turn, having the ability to develop the skills to manage oneself more effectively.

Emotional Intelligence involves four major skills; the ability to perceive emotions; the ability to reason with emotions; the ability to understand emotions; and the ability to manage emotions.

Why that’s important is because …

In becoming more emotionally conscious, it allows us to grow and gain a deeper understanding of who we are, therefore, enabling us to communicate better with others and build stronger relationships.

What about at work?

Imagine that you find yourself getting frustrated and angry with a colleague. As you assess your feelings, analyze what you’re really upset about …. ask yourself – Are you really upset about your colleagues’ actions, or does your anger stem from an underlying frustration and pressure from something other than your colleague? Perhaps you’ve just been given more work than you can handle.

Emotionally intelligent people are able to look at the situation and correctly identify the true source of their feelings. It’s not always easy. As a matter fact it’s incredibly difficult for a lot of us.

Interestingly, many experts now believe that a person’s EQ may be more important than their IQ. It’s certainly a better predictor of success, quality of relationships, and overall happiness.

From a success standpoint, higher emotional intelligence helps us to become stronger internal motivators. This motivator can reduce procrastination, it can increase self-confidence, and improve our ability to focus on a goal. It also allows us to create better networks of support, overcome setbacks, and persevere with a more resilient outlook.

Every emotion has a function. They help us to gain alignment. Emotions play an important role in helping to direct our behaviour. The most significant emotions are our basic emotions: surprise, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and anger. These basic emotions are a part of the natural development of every one of us. They are the same for everyone. They are also associated with an emotional state that we call a feeling. Each of us respond and react differently to the emotions that are experienced (a feeling) and yet we all have them.

The great news is that emotional intelligence can be learned. It’s not something inborn. As we all know, it’s never too late to learn anything. By having a better understanding of what EQ is, and what you need to know, it can prove to have a positive effect on the rest of your life.

Now that’s something to wrap your head around.

Side note: This is just a quick glimpse into what EQ is. If you’d like to dig deeper, explore the many articles and findings that are out there.