Have you experienced seeing a really smart colleague promoted to a leader only to fail because of an inability to connect with people, lack of empathy and struggles with listening skills?
Compare this to an individual with good (not excellent) technical skills and exceptional Emotional Intelligence to soar in their new role.
People with emotional intelligence are able to quickly build rapport and connect with others. They have the self-awareness to know how they’re going to respond in certain situations and can self-manage to direct their behavior positively. They can disagree without being disrespectful. They have empathy.
But what exactly is emotional intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence, as defined by expert psychologist Dr. Daniel Goleman, is the capacity for:
- Being able to identify and acknowledge your feelings
- Regulating your emotions
- Self-motivation
- Understanding and identifying the emotions of others
- Navigating relationships with consideration of others’ feelings
Cultivating emotional intelligence can greatly enhance your ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as effectively navigate social interactions.