Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own and others' emotions, and to use them effectively in different situations. EI is not only a valuable skill for personal and professional growth, but also for improving healthcare outcomes. In this article, you will learn how EI can benefit healthcare providers, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole.
Healthcare providers face many challenges and stressors in their work, such as high demands, complex cases, ethical dilemmas, and emotional labor. EI can help them cope with these challenges by enhancing their self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and communication skills. EI can also help them build positive relationships with their colleagues, managers, and other stakeholders, and foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and feedback. By improving their EI, healthcare providers can increase their job satisfaction, performance, and well-being, and reduce burnout, turnover, and errors.
EI is crucial in healthcare outcomes by enhancing the patient-professional relationship. When healthcare providers lack EI (ability to listen & empathize with patients), patients will feel unheard & it can potentially result in biased care. This increases the likelihood of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment plans. Additionally, when patients don't feel understood it can affect the treatment's effectiveness. Healthcare professionals with higher EI are better equipped to listen, comprehend, and connect with their patients. This can result in better diagnoses and higher patient compliance, all contributing to better outcomes.
Emotional Intelligence is The Secret to Building Resilience thus there is two kind of Leadership, one who owned EI and others who act as a manager only what is leadership? Leadership is influencing, persuading, motivating, listening, communicating. so Explore why emotionally intelligent people are more effective leaders, able to inspire others, and synchronize their efforts toward a common set of goals. In partnership with Big Think Edge, because this is EI or i can call it Super Natural
I am going to answer this from a personal health standpoint. When we get triggered emotionally, cortisol is released which is our stress hormone. When I was first learning about EI, I was experiencing a lot of stress and a number of resulting negative health outcomes. Learning to manage my emotions has not only helped me at work and with my family (I have two teenage daughters, so I get to practice EI every day!), but with less cortisol in my system, I am less stressed and a number of the health issues I was having have dissipated or gone away completely. I have the pleasure of delivering EI training to healthcare workers and that's a group that really benefits from it as it's a high-stress environment -and so important!
Emotional Intelligence, rooted in spirituality, enhances healthcare outcomes through Heartfulness. By cultivating empathy and compassion, healthcare providers can create a healing environment. Heart-centered practices foster a deep connection with patients, promoting trust and reducing anxiety. When caregivers approach their work with a loving, serene heart, patients sense the genuine concern, which positively impacts their emotional state. This atmosphere of tranquility accelerates the healing process, leading to improved healthcare outcomes. In essence, by integrating Emotional Intelligence with Heartfulness, healthcare becomes not just a service but a sacred, transformative journey for both the caregiver and the patient.
Being able to do regular emotional audits with oneself, - for instance, being aware of what's happening to you when something goes wrong, or when that sense of helplessness creeps in because of ethical boundaries, and what you do with it - matters a lot. Do you tend to withdraw and avoid the uncomfortable situation, because empathy is painful or a sign of weakness for you? Or with EI, are you able to acknowledge how you feel, forgive yourself and support the patient through whatever you can, because end of the day, that's what matters?
Patients are not only seeking medical care, but also emotional support, respect, and compassion. EI can help healthcare providers meet these needs by enabling them to recognize and respond to patients' emotions, preferences, and concerns. EI can also help them tailor their communication style, tone, and language to suit different patients and situations, and to convey empathy, honesty, and confidence. By improving their EI, healthcare providers can enhance their rapport, trust, and satisfaction with patients, and influence their adherence, self-management, and recovery.
In my experience advocating for people with disability, there is often a notable disparity between clinical proficiency and emotional intelligence when working with people with disability. Health professionals can lack the necessary EI, leading to decisions influenced more by personal biases than by the individual medical needs of the patient. This can result in a subjective assessment of a patient's perceived ‘quality of life’ and, subsequently, an inclination to undervalue the pursuit of certain medical interventions. My sector calls it making social decisions rather than medical decisions. Such instances underscore the importance of integrating emotional intelligence into medical practice to ensure that decisions are patient-centred.
Emotional intelligence is a healthcare game-changer, improving patient and provider outcomes. It facilitates deep patient-provider connections, nurturing trust and effective communication. Understanding patients' emotional needs complements medical care, leading to greater adherence to treatment plans and ultimately better health results. This empathetic, patient-centered approach enhances overall healthcare experiences. Fostering emotional intelligence in healthcare is paramount for everyone's well-being.
Being a good listener to understand the patient's needs and concerns is one of the most important aspects of showing respect and compassion.
Healing a patient physically is half the job. Healing the emotional impact on the body and mind is the other half. Lacking this insight from an Emotional Intelligence perspective within the medical profession, might hamper the Healing process overall...
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a game-changer in patient care. Healthcare providers with high EI understand and respond to patients' emotions, creating a more compassionate and empathetic environment. This not only enhances the patient experience but also contributes to better healthcare outcomes. #EmotionalIntelligence #PatientCare #EmpathyMatters
The healthcare system is a complex and dynamic environment that requires coordination, innovation, and quality improvement. EI can help healthcare providers contribute to these goals by facilitating their teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. EI can also help them adapt to changes, cope with uncertainty, and embrace diversity. By improving their EI, healthcare providers can support the organizational vision, values, and culture, and promote a patient-centered, safe, and efficient healthcare system.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence (EI) among healthcare providers is a vital step towards fostering effective teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, as well as promoting adaptability and embracing diversity in our ever-evolving healthcare system. It ultimately contributes to patient-centred care and safety.
My experience is that health professionals, particularly doctors, often do not even talk to the person. I have witnessed them standing in front of their computer on wheels, talking to nurses and registrars and never even engaging with the patient. There is no EI, rapport or empathy in that. It disempowers people and leaves them feeling confused. They can develop emotional intelligence by actively placing a genuine effort into understanding the unique perspectives and experiences of people with disability. Additionally, regular training in emotional intelligence and bias awareness can help medical professionals identify their own preconceptions and foster a more inclusive and compassionate approach to care.
Develop a culture where EI is valued. Team members who feel supported and emotionally connected to their workplace are more likely to stay. Effective Leadership: Leaders with high EI are adept at understanding their teams' needs and providing the necessary support. Invest in leadership training that emphasizes EI to ensure staff satisfaction. Recognition and Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals. Showing appreciation through EI helps boost morale and retain talent. Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by allowing flexible schedules or offering support services. EI-driven policies can help reduce burnout and improve retention.
In my experience preparing leaders to manage reputational crises, I see that the leaders who are better prepared to adapt and embrace change are the ones who are more open to dialogue and innovation.
Health”care” means that caring should be at the centre of and inform at every level — vision, structure, decision-making, talent, etc. — and this requires the dedication to develop and lead with EI. There are system-wide shortages of healthcare providers. By leading with EI, we can attract new talent and retain and better support those who remain to provide care. People need to be seen, feel valued and be heard by their leadership. These needs are best supported by leaders who not only have EI themselves but also truly believe in the people that they are meant to serve.
EI is not a predetermined trait, but rather a skill that can be developed through practice, feedback, and reflection. To improve your EI, start by seeking self-awareness: pay attention to your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and how they impact you and those around you. Note your strengths and weaknesses, and set realistic goals for growth. Self-regulation is also important: manage emotions in healthy ways, express emotions appropriately, and avoid overreacting or suppressing them. Cultivating empathy is key too: try to understand the emotions of others, listen actively and attentively, offer support when needed, and validate their feelings. Communication should be clear, respectful, and effective; use verbal and nonverbal cues to convey your message and emotions. Additionally, build relationships with others by showing appreciation and gratitude; give and receive feedback; learn from mistakes; collaborate with others; and resolve conflicts constructively.
As an expert in EI, the most effective strategy is active & reflective practice. Start with self-awareness; examine & understand your emotions and how they influence interactions. Regularly practicing self-regulation is essential. Learn to express emotions adaptively. Equally crucial is developing empathy; actively strive to understand and resonate with others' feelings. Enhance your communication skills, focusing on both what you say and how you say it, including nonverbal signals. Finally, nurture strong, empathetic relationships through appreciation, constructive feedback, learning from social interactions, and effective teamwork. I hope this help :)
A big step toward improving EI in the medical field would be teaching active listening. Have psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers - run courses as fellow professionals, & discuss the difference between hearing & listening. Between listening & making another person feel listened to. These are critical skills that nearly every person I've interacted with in the medical field lacks - & I've been to dozens of doctors & specialists to help my partner who has some "mystery" chronic illness get the barest modicum of care. We need to stop siloing & splintering each area of medicine - patients go into what amounts to a chop shop, & are seen as disconnected anatomical parts instead of being seen as a whole human being, a single system.
Begin developing your EI by warmly greeting everyone daily. Smile, make eye contact, use names—it's simple yet it demands discipline to become a habit. This act fosters connection and attentiveness, essential to EI. Be culturally aware; adapt as needed. As this habit forms, observe the emotions it provokes, which creates empathy. This is your first step; build upon it with active listening and self-awareness to advance your EI journey.
In my experience, pride contradicts emotional intelligence. Being able to be open to other's opinions, thoughts, and feelings without becoming defensive, is a key aspect of EI. Pride prevents connection, which is a major component of EI.
I like to use the example of the elevator. Your IQ - your cognitive abilities - are your elevator in life. Your EQ, the emotional quotient to measure your emotional intelligence, is your trajectory upwards or downwards. I love working with the EQ-i model because it is practical and provides a fresh perspective on how to navigate our immediate challenges by regulating our emotions. This involves the way we perceive ourselves, the way we express ourselves, the way we build relationships, the way we make decisions and the way we manage stress. Everyone can develop their own toolkit and practice applying their personal strategies to face their immediate challenges with resilience and courage.
If you want to learn more about emotional intelligence (EI) and how to develop it, you have many resources available. The Emotional Intelligence Appraisal is a self-assessment tool that measures your EI skills and provides personalized feedback and action plans. The Six Seconds Model is a practical and simple framework that helps you apply EI to your daily life. Additionally, the Center for Nonviolent Communication offers resources, such as books, workshops, and online courses, on their website. Developing your EI can improve healthcare outcomes for yourself, your patients, and your organization. It can also enhance your personal and professional well-being, performance, and satisfaction. Start your EI journey today and witness the positive effects it can have on yourself and others.
Workshops and seminars by healthcare associations and institutions that focus on EI in healthcare settings are a good resource. Mentoring and Coaching: Mentors or coaches who specialize in EI and can provide personalized guidance. Emotional Intelligence Assessments: Assessments like the EQ-i 2.0 can help individuals understand their current EI level. Healthcare Associations: Many healthcare associations provide resources and training on EI as part of their professional development programs. Utilize a combination of these resources to enhance emotional intelligence, ultimately benefiting both patients and the healthcare professional.
Expanding on the provided EI resources, it's also vital to remember that while structured tools like the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal and the Six Seconds Model are helpful or EQ I 2.0, EI development in healthcare also demands real-world application and reflection. Integrating EI practices into daily patient interactions and team communications can make these skills more instinctive and impactful. Resources like those from the Center for Nonviolent Communication are especially valuable in healthcare, teaching professionals to navigate emotionally charged situations with empathy and clarity. For a truly effective EI enhancement in healthcare, combining these structured tools with practical, on-the-job application is key.
If I could give one success tip to develop your emotional intelligence and start right away, is to start a reflection journal. Either daily or weekly, and apply the following principles: - Ask yourself open ended questions from a place of curiosity. Judgement is not allowed. - Observe your experience through the lens of compassion. Be kind to yourself when reflecting back. - Write down what you handled well and how it made you feel. - Write down what you could have handled better and how it made you feel. - Then take an observer's view, and write down how next time you will respond differently with what emotion. When we overcome the emotional attachment to our past experience, our experience becomes wisdom for better outcomes.
Many online platforms offer courses specifically focused on emotional intelligence. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning have courses taught by experts. Look for courses that cover topics such as self-awareness, empathy, communication, and relationship management. Listen to podcasts or watch webinars that discuss emotional intelligence topics. Several podcasts dedicated to emotional intelligence are hosted by experts in the field who can also provide valuable insights and practical tips. In addition, explore apps that focus on emotional intelligence development. Apps like Happify, Moodnotes, Calm, and Headspace offer activities, exercises, and guided meditations to enhance emotional well-being and intelligence.
I recommend to read Daniel's Goleman book: Emotional Intelligence. I would also recommend to take EI courses or workshops, as I did it some years ago because I had issues with managing correctly my own emotions and understanding others emotions.
The labelling of negative and positive emotions is unfortunately not always helpful. Never feel ashamed for feeling negative emotions, these are part of our human experience. And the more we feel shame, guilt or regret about how we feel, the more negative energy we perpetuate and the easier it is to feel depleted and to risk chronic stress levels. One thing to keep in mind is to see life and your experiences through a lens of curiosity instead of judgement. We do the best we can with the information we have at the time. So when we know better, we can do better. And this process can come with discomfort. And that is ok. Learn to become comfortable, being uncomfortable. The most resilient people are the most compassionate ones.
One study of over 70,000 men and women over decades found optimism is correlated with an 11 to 15% longer life span even controlling for age, education, alcohol use, diet and exercise and other factors. Boston University School of Medicine
I coached an older retired woman that had open heart surgery. The physical wound was already health years ago. The emotional scars were still there. Emotional Intelligence in our Healthcare professionals could have captured that emotional healing process as well. Fortunately we made some progress with her, after the fact ??
Being compassionate is best approach to understand. Instead of pressing patients to hide emotions encourage to share feelings thoughts and encourage them. This can be done by simply remaining into "conversation" without being judgmental or interruptive
In my work, I frequently see common misconceptions about EI. People often think that it means being overly emotional, is only about being positive, or that it's only about empathy. However, it involves understanding and managing emotions effectively, which includes recognizing and regulating emotions in a balanced and constructive manner. It's important to dispel these misconceptions and recognize the true value and significance of emotional intelligence in our personal and professional lives. Developing emotional intelligence can lead to improved relationships, effective communication, better decision-making, and overall emotional well-being. Once people understand what emotional intelligence truly entails, they are more open to the topic.