What are some of the benefits of emotional intelligence for creative problem-solving?

Emotional intelligence is critical when fostering an inclusive working environment. Not only are you more receptive to ideas and thoughts different from yours; it affords you the opportunity to help people feel empowered and comfortable sharing their own thoughts and experiences in or out of the workplace. Eventually, you will begin to see an increase in collaborative efforts as people are naturally drawn to you. Emotional intelligence leans towards a people first work approach and peers will appreciate your willingness to “share the air” and listen.

I believe organizations that focus on improving EI, at very least, as much as they are currently focusing on integrating AI, have the upper hand amongst the competition.

One of the first things I ask my coaching clients to do is get out of their head and into their body and feelings. Accessing the feelings we would like to feel in the future rather than simply verbalising what we think we want allows us to let go of the blinkers with which we view the possibilities open to us. It allows for more expansiveness. The more in tune we can be with our emotions, the more options we provide ourselves and others.

As global connectivity increases and information becomes more accessible, it’s helpful to remember that there’s really no such thing as originality. Instead, think of creativity as "thoughtful repurposing." Humans are little more than a compilation of our influences. Everything we “know” was taught to us by our environment. So, our thoughts and behaviors are just a smashing up and repurposing of ideas and information that we continually upload to the cerebral database in our heads. You’re already a creative problem-solver, whether you see yourself that way or not.

In my experience, EI plays a pivotal role in self awareness that enable employees to show more empathy towards their peers and colleagues. This ultimately make better collaboration amongst teams. If an employee attempts to understand another employee's ideas, opinions, vision etc they can better express both constructively and positively contribute to the entire dynamic of change by working together. Capitalizing on each other strengths and assisting with each other areas of improvement.

I believe people with a high EQ self-manage more effectively, are less reactive and more proactive The brain naturally goes into reaction when a foreign way of thinking is introduced. Flight or Fight Mode is triggered when a polar opposite opinion is proposed. People who are more self-aware, who attach less significance to their brains automatic reactions, and others automatic reactions in certain situations, have a leadership opportunity. People with a high EQ, who are more self-aware and other conscious may most effectively self-manage and lead through relationships toward a more collaborative environment. People working with other people are always surrounded with different points of view than their own. The key is to not be in effect.

It’s worth considering the impact of stress. Stress levels are on the rise, and it’s taking a toll on our ability to be collaborative. During our body’s physiological stress response, hormones are released that impair the function of the prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication. The greater the level of stress, the less effective our ability to engage in collaboration. Emotional Intelligence to the rescue! To regain access to the whole brain, we simply have to acknowledge what we’re feeling and choose to regulate our stress response with a centering exercise like HeartMath’s Heart-Focused Breathing. Simple but not always easy. That's why it's a skill we must cultivate.

1. Pay attention to how you feel in different situations, and try to identify the triggers that cause you to feel certain emotions. 2. Create a dictionary of feelings, where they hit, and your physical sensations such as heat. This equips you to accurately identify your emotional state. 3. Working with horses is a particularly incisive way to understand your emotions and learn how to manage them. Horses are highly sensitive animals, and they can often pick up on our emotional states even before we are aware of them ourselves. 4. Ask for what you need. Learn how to ask for what you need. Though this can be difficult, when you are able to ask for what you need, you are more likely to get it, and more likely to have stronger relationships.

Replacing unworkable behaviors and unworkable ways of thinking with more workable behaviors and more workable behaviors takes repetition over a sufficient period of time. Desire and discipline are critical factors in developing emotional intelligence. If the desire is there, pay attention to those around you who you believe have mastered an aspect of EI and emulate those traits you admire. Read books on the topic. Listen to audio books while exercising or doing personal chores. Enroll in classes.

We are learning that decision-making doesn't only happen in our heads. We have complex neural networks in our hearts and our gut, and those miniature brains are sending information back to our heads via the vagus nerve. In order to make the most informed decision possible, and to craft the most creative solution possible, we learn to listen to our bodies—the body speaks the language of emotion. Emotional Intelligence isn't just a skill, it's a conversation, a relationship with our self. You are filled with innate wisdom, just waiting to be tapped.

Self-care plays a major role in strengthening and practicing using emotional intelligence. When people are hungry, feeling emotionally, mentally or physically tired, expressing a high level of emotional intelligence is a challenge for those with the highest EQ. Take care of #1 (you) with an appropriate amount of exercise, sleep and good nutrition to be on top of your game and better prepared to help those around you be on top of their game. Having a high EQ, exercising a well rounded emotional intelligence, is not just about how I am "me to me" - it is also about how I am "me to you".