How can you avoid emotional intelligence mistakes that ruin your career?

Uncontrollable emotions are a natural part of the response mechanism. One of the most important domains for EI is regulating the emotions wisely in a manner in which it allows the person to express well, express exactly what one is feeling and then process the situation well. One way to learn managing emotions is powerful pausing. Where one can choose to pause, process the present emotion and then find words to explain it better than turning it into an outburst or causing irreparable damage.

Suppressing emotions is a bad idea as they surely resurface, and come in a form in unexpected ways. For example one may make an offensive remark at a group at work, but the underlying emotion may be jealousy, if one digs deeper, the jealousy could be due to insecurities that have been a part of that expressor. So reactions may have a plethora of emotions. Suppressing them is a bad idea, addressing them and seeking help is the only way out. And for that one needs to have an ownership and readiness.

One of the most important ways to co-exist is to accept individuality. People are innately different, they are vulnerable and empathy is crucial. At work place and in general an inability to consider other peoples’ emotions adds on to become a toxic environment. I believe, people realize they need to be kind, but there are certain emotions which are predominant and hence one could see an array of reactions that would affect relationships. Empathy is basic, one way to exercise empathy is to simply HEAR people out. Their story, their opinions, their say as they always come with a reason.

Yes, I agree. The change is rapid and adaptability is crucial. In this what I truly believe is important is to be readiness. Readiness to learn, explore, learn new skills, or not being shy to revive, make mistakes or admit weaknesses. Adaptability also comes with acceptance. Acceptance of what works and what doesn't and that comes with awareness. If a certain environment makes one extremely vulnerable, it is vital to express, channelize, seek help and that is adaptability. To address. To be ready.

Regulating emotions is a challenging process and an integral part of developing EI. The easiest way is to know what makes one angry, sad, worried, insecure etc. With this awareness, management of emotions is better as one is prepared beforehand of what will be largely experienced. I believe EI will only empower people and that it will begin with being aware or gaining some knowledge.