How can you improve your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills at work?

2 Learn and apply the core skills

The second step is to learn and apply the core skills that make up EI and interpersonal skills. According to Daniel Goleman, a leading expert on EI, there are four domains of EI: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Each domain consists of several competencies that you can develop through practice and training. For example, some of the competencies are emotional self-awareness, emotional self-control, empathy, influence, teamwork, and conflict management. Similarly, there are many interpersonal skills that you can improve, such as active listening, assertiveness, collaboration, negotiation, and feedback.

3 Seek personal coaching

The third step is to seek personal coaching from a qualified and experienced coach who can help you enhance your EI and interpersonal skills at work. Personal coaching is a process that facilitates learning and development through one-on-one sessions, wherein the coach provides guidance, support, feedback, and accountability. With the help of a personal coach, you can set clear and realistic goals for your career development, identify and overcome any limiting beliefs or emotional triggers, develop an action plan that tracks your progress, learn new strategies to improve your EI and interpersonal skills, and gain the confidence and motivation to achieve desired outcomes.

4 Practice and reflect

The fourth step is to practice and reflect on your EI and interpersonal skills on a regular basis. Practice means applying what you have learned and coached to your real-life situations at work, such as interacting with your colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, handling stress and emotions, resolving conflicts, or leading projects. Reflect means reviewing your actions and outcomes, evaluating your strengths and areas for improvement, and learning from your mistakes and successes. You can use tools such as journals, logs, or feedback forms to document your practice and reflection.

5 Seek feedback and support

The fifth step is to seek feedback and support from others who can help you improve your EI and interpersonal skills at work. Feedback means asking for constructive and honest input from your coach, peers, managers, or mentors, on how you are performing and what you can do better. Support means finding and joining a network of people who share your goals, values, and interests, and who can offer you advice, encouragement, or assistance. You can also participate in online or offline communities, groups, or events related to EI and interpersonal skills.

6 Celebrate and reward

The sixth and final step is to celebrate and reward yourself for your achievements and efforts in improving your EI and interpersonal skills at work. Celebrate means acknowledging and appreciating your progress and results, and sharing them with others who matter to you. Reward means treating yourself to something that makes you happy and fulfilled, such as a hobby, a trip, or a gift. Celebrating and rewarding yourself can help you maintain your motivation, confidence, and enthusiasm for your career development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?