How can peer support improve your emotional intelligence when working with difficult people?

Emotional intelligence is inherently higher in some individuals, allowing them to tolerate and control anger effectively. However, this capability indeed develops over time. Several other factors contribute to its continuous improvement, including the workplace culture, the behavior of colleagues and seniors, job responsibilities, and work-life balance.

EI is a phenomenon that can be built in both ways.it can be negative as well as positive. A good peer can be helpful to share your problem with, and gain experiences through his way to sort out and get yourselves out from challenges and emotional imbalances.

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to intuitively be aware of others' behaviors, emotions, and reactions. People with high EI, have high self-awareness approach others with empathy, and see situations not just from their perspective but through the lens and perspective of how others approach certain situations.

Peer support enhances emotional intelligence by offering diverse perspectives, deepening understanding of emotions, and promoting self-awareness and empathy. Sharing experiences and seeking advice fosters effective communication and conflict resolution skills, crucial in handling difficult interactions. Active listening and applying shared strategies facilitate the development of resilience and adaptability. Collaborating with colleagues empowers individuals to manage emotions, navigate complexities, and cultivate stronger, more empathetic professional relationships.

Developing emotional intelligence requires peer support and feedback. However, in my experience, most organizations focus only on performance and hard skills, overlooking the importance of soft skills. To enhance your emotional intelligence, seek out colleagues who can provide you with open and honest feedback on how you handle different situations. This feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and enable you to respond more effectively in the future.

Peer support is important and works on a give & take ritual. In this hectic world where some people find it difficult to keep in touch with their family, one is expecting that person to give their time to listen to the things they have been going through. Well, I would say, too much too ask for but if you are lucky enough, you will definately find those folks. It will not only help you in venting out your frustration and anger but also make you feel lighter by venting things out. You can always look up to that person for a second opinion if you are in dilemma. It will also help you in maintaining your calm and composure thereby preventing you to take any impulse decisions out of frustration and anxiety.

In my experience, peer support can build a great deal of confidence in one’s ability. This further encourages an individual to continue to set goals and further develop a growth mindset, which is integral for success.

By being in community (co-workers) we can see ourselves reflected in the experiences of others, which helps us both to understand that other people have similar experiences, and to be able to learn from other situations and apply similar solutions to our current reality, according to our way of being.

Engaging with peers allows for feedback on your responses to difficult people. Constructive criticism helps you reflect on your reactions, fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation. Dealing with difficult people can be draining. Peer support provides validation, reassurance, and encouragement, bolstering your confidence and emotional resilience in handling challenging situations.

One way I've found peer support is by reaching out to those in my specific niche or field. Those with an abundance mindset will be generous with their wisdom and honest when it comes to feedback.

- Encourage active listening within the group. This means giving full attention to the speaker, understanding their perspective, and responding thoughtfully. - Create a safe space where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns. Confidentiality is crucial for fostering trust and openness. - Emphasize empathy and respect among peers. Everyone’s experiences and viewpoints are valid, and fostering an environment of mutual understanding is essential. - Establish clear guidelines for participation and behavior within the group. Having defined boundaries ensures a respectful and focused environment.

- Rotate leadership or facilitation roles among group members. This allows everyone to contribute and ensures a diversity of perspectives and ideas. - Encourage self-care practices and mindfulness techniques within the group. Supporting each other's well-being helps create a healthier and more resilient community. - Acknowledge and celebrate successes and progress made by individuals within the group. Positive reinforcement boosts morale and motivation.

While working in corporate sector, one has to definately deal with varied people - with some you would love to work with and some would be difficult ones. For the latter one, peer support plays a crucial role to be able to survive things. They act as an oxygen to a dying man. Working with the latter ones result in build up of anger, frustration etc which affects performance and mental sanity of an individual. One of the way to survive this environment is to have supportive and understanding peers. Venting out is very underrated but in my opinion it works the best. Once you vent your heart out to your peer, you feel lighter. These peers will be your go to in case you want a second opinion in any matter.