What is emotional intelligence? How to harness your EQ
As we accelerate into a world dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), it turns out another type of intelligence has never been more critical:
Emotional intelligence, aka EQ.
EQ is a sought-after soft skill — actually, it’s one of the most sought-after skills. Period.
According to Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index report, EQ is amongst the top three skills that leaders believe will be essential in an “AI-powered future”, along with analytical judgement and flexibility.
So what is EQ and how can you harness this soft skill for success?
What is EQ?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions as well as recognise and influence the emotions of others.
When you break it down, it’s easy to see why EQ is one of the most important soft skills for the workplace.
People with a high EQ can typically:
Understand the links between their emotions and how they behave
Remain calm and composed during stressful situations
Influence others toward a common goal
Handle difficult people with tact and diplomacy.
It’s no wonder then that people with high emotional intelligence are more likely to get hired, promoted and earn better salaries:
When recruiting management roles, 71% of employers look to hire and promote candidates with a high EQ over their intelligence quotient (IQ). Research by TalentSmart showed that emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of performance. In fact, people with a high degree of emotional intelligence make more money – an average of US$29,000 more per year than those with a low EQ.
AI has IQ, but you have EQ
Machines excel in processing data, analysing information, making decisions based on predictive logic. However, when it comes to emotions and social dynamics, they can’t grasp intricacies the way that humans can.
This is where emotional intelligence comes in.
Emotional intelligence is the foundation of your social skills and personable skills.
As RMIT Forward’s development partner Sally McNamara told us, “ChatGPT and other tools like it are phenomenal. And they’re also just a tool. We need to use our human skills to adapt to working with these tools in a way that supports human flourishing, rather than adding more overwhelm and stress to our lives.”
What’s your EQ?
If you’re not sure how your EQ measures up, answer these quick questions:
Do you recognise the emotion you're feeling?
Can you manage those feelings without allowing them to swamp you?
Can you keep your temper in check?
Can you motivate yourself to get jobs done?
Do you sense the emotions of others and respond effectively?
Do others look to you as a positive example of how to interact with others?
If you answered yes to these questions, congratulations! You’re well on your way with your EQ journey.
But don’t worry if you didn’t – like all soft skills, emotional intelligence can be strengthened.
4 ways to improve your EQ
1. Strengthen your self-awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to understand your emotions, recognise their impact and use them to inform decisions.
Although 95% of people think they’re self aware, psychologist Tasha Eurich says that only 10 to 15% actually are.
One practice to help develop self awareness is to seek honest feedback from your coworkers and leaders. Ask for concrete examples and be prepared to listen with an open mind.
For example, you can ask:
How do you think I could have listened better?
Is there something I’m avoiding that you think I need to address?
What communication habits do you think I can improve?
To start building self-awareness today – download Hodie.
2. Start listening
Dr Goleman, who coined the term “EQ” in 1995, said the most prevalent sign of low EQ is poor listening, such as interrupting people or taking over a conversation too soon.
By focusing on active listening, you’ll understand where people are coming from, and why they feel the way they do. Try to get a sense of the feelings that the speaker is expressing, and stay mindful of their non-verbal communication – what they are expressing through their body language and tone of voice, as well as the literal meaning of the words.
3. Control your emotions
A big part of being emotionally intelligent is being able to self-regulate. In other words, you can control your emotions and choose how to respond to something, despite how you feel.
Start by recognising your emotions:
What emotions are you feeling right now? Can you name them?
When in a stressful situation, what emotions are triggered?
How would you like to respond? Can you pause and reconsider your response?
To improve your emotional regulation, try these four strategies to stay cool, calm and collected.
4. Be open to criticism
People with a high level of emotional intelligence can take criticism with an open mind.
When you receive any kind of feedback – good or bad – you are listening to a perspective which might be different to yours. This requires you to actively listen and remain open to what is being shared.
Then, take the time you need to reflect on the feedback and consider the most essential things that you need to change. Adaptability, after all, is another important soft skill you need in the future workplace.
Over to you
Are you ready to boost your emotional intelligence and get ahead in an increasingly AI world? Focus on learning self-awareness soft skill, ramp up your listening, and learn the secrets to manage your emotions.
Simply download the Hodie app to get started today, or explore our broader menu of Maxme Products & Programs for organisations and individuals alike.
Prefer to talk through your options? Simply contact us at any time.