Emotional Intelligence - Why Do We Need It?

"Emotions make us who we are" (Robert Kiyosaki).

We apply emotional intelligence (EQ) every day - the ability to recognize our own and others' emotions and manage them.

Many sources refer to EQ as the most promising skill of the 21st century. A high EQ positively affects relationships in school, university, and work environments, social adaptation, perception by others, academic performance, work success, and satisfaction with one's own life and marital relationships.

About emotional intelligence - four vectors of development:

• Self-awareness - understanding one's emotions and how they affect thoughts and behavior, knowing one's strengths and weaknesses.
  
  
• Self-management - self-control, adaptability, reliability, initiative.
  
  
• Social awareness - understanding the behavior of others, the ability to feel comfortable in society.
  
  
• Relationship management - the ability to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate, inspire and influence others, work in a team, and resolve conflicts.

If a person has low EQ:

• They often feel misunderstood, which upsets them.
  
  
• They are surprised when people take offense at their words, thinking others are too sensitive.
  
  
• They expect from others what they can do themselves.
  
  
• They find someone to blame but don't see their own responsibility.
  
  
• They get irritated when others expect understanding from them.

High emotional intelligence:

• We can recognize and accept our emotions without dividing them into "good" or "bad."
  
  
• We can control them without letting them control us.
  
  
• We show empathy, understanding people's feelings without words.

Why is it necessary to develop emotional intelligence?

Developing EQ is important because it helps one understand and manage one's emotions, improves communication with others, and contributes to building strong relationships. With a high EQ, it's easier to cope with stress, conflicts are resolved more effectively, and balanced decisions are made. It promotes personal growth and improves quality of life—the ability to empathize and understand others' feelings makes us more sensitive.

How to develop EQ - valuable tips

Scientists have concluded that childhood is the optimal period for development, but it's never too late to develop at any age.

• Don't divide emotions into "good" and "bad". Listen to the feelings that overwhelm you at any given moment. Try to identify their causes and feel how emotions affect your behavior. You can keep a diary, writing down what and when you felt, where, and in what situation it happened.
  
  
• Observe how your body reacts to stress. Learn to read bodily reactions; you will better understand when you need to take a break and recover.
  
  
• Learn to stay calm in stressful situations, control anger, don't let emotions take over. Mindfulness training and meditation help.
  
  
• Try to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Learn to recognize and accept other people's emotions, show empathy, empathize with feelings you don't experience, and respond to them respectfully.
  
  
• Communicate, develop communication skills, don't forget about humor, and maintain a positive attitude.
  
  
• Consult a psychologist for help in recognizing emotions.

In a world where interaction with people plays an important role, a high level of emotional intelligence is necessary for personal and professional success. By developing this skill, we improve our lives and make the world around us a little better!



Sources: 

- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. New York, NY: Bantam Books, Inc.

- Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185-211.

- Bar-On, R. (2006). The Bar-On model of emotional-social intelligence (ESI). Psicothema, 18, 13-25.