How can consultants develop their emotional intelligence?

A key factor to consider when it comes to EI is how we approach ideas, thoughts, or people that challenge us. I believe positive intent is key. If/when we feel challenged, do we feel threatened or do we absorb the challenge and consider its merits before we respond? If we learn to think thoughtfully before responding to a challenge, more often than not it's not as threatening as we may have thought. With that positive intent, the chances are significantly higher that you'll get to a conclusion where both you and the person across from you are happy.

The life-giving and saving motion of energies derive from the interrelations of emotions. Therefore, one could say that emotions are the machinery of life. The emotion we create, and choose to show or hide, is the result of the thoughts in the mind about the particular matter we are facing. These thoughts, and consequently the mind, are responsible for the level of our emotional intelligence and as such, closely connected to mental awareness. It has nothing to do with man-made rules. Thinking and experiencing the interrelations of events will raise emotional intelligence where right and wrong in every given situation is clearly seen. Since emotions are cultivated by ties to subjects and objects, these relations have to be understood.

It started for me a few years ago, when I discovered there are 16 personalities in the world. Understanding that we are all so different, but come from the same "psychological schematic" was really interesting to me. My introduction to the science behind it is from 16personalities.com. I branched out from there and started learning about empathy, understanding different perspectives, and leaning on empathetic leadership resources to grow and develop. One of my favorite books and one I quote often is called "The Anatomy of Peace," it really helped jump start my EQ development.

In the mind-bending world of hypnotherapy, emotions rule. That's why emotional intelligence (EI) isn't just a handy tool, it's the secret sauce. With high EI, we dance with clients' feelings, guiding them to reshape their lives. We master our own emotions, tap into empathy's magic, and build trust like bridges. It's not just listening, it's feeling with them. This superpower, honed by self-awareness and constant learning, lets us unlock true transformation. And that's no consultancy trick, it's pure human alchemy.

During nineties the sales managers tried to teach selling technics and kept saying- look for the body language of a client - so he/she knew if the client liked what he heard or not. This days we call it EI. I think that learning it from an experienced person, someone who has decent track record is the best way, because there’s no substitute for experience. Salesmanship is an old art and just like the art of singing or drawing consultants should be open to suggestions , observe others and most importantly learn to ignore their biases and false believes as those become more visible when we try hard to persuade someone do or buy something The art of #EI can be rather difficult to master, but it is so because after all it is an art

Look for a coach! There are plenty of great people and resources out there to learn from for free. A coach can really speed up this process and candidly speak with you about best practices within EQ. I highly recommend a coach!

Emotional intelligence development should be approached as a lifelong practice journey rather than a binary competence - gradually cultivating awareness and regulation of mental habits and outward behaviours through dedicated rituals woven into consulting workflows. Partners can design collaborative self-reflection activities, apply EI lens during exchanges, and track mutual growth via surveys. Additionally, personal habits like journaling or mindfulness after client meetings create supportive cadences. When focused as purposeful path of daily emotional fitness, professionals elevate capacity to serve others and themselves.

The key differences between hard and soft skills are how they are gained, used, and measured. Some tips I use and offer to clients on building and practicing emotional intelligence are: 1.) Self awareness is key. Be mindful of how people react to you. Adjust behaviors that repeatedly result in negative reactions. 2.) Define Your Outcomes and Objectives. What is the specific behavior you want to demonstrate? Focus on ways to develop that consistent behavior. 3.) Conduct a needs analysis. What skills are predominantly needed to succeed within your company culture? 4.) Allocate time and resources. Find time and resources to develop your emotional intelligence. Interact with different types of personalities. Stay open and adaptable.

Actively learn a large selection of modalities; discuss with likeminded individuals the points of connection and contention; live EI every moment; be aware of what is going on around you, even in the bus or taxi ?? queue!