How can you improve your emotional intelligence as a consultant?

1 Assess your current level

The first step to improve your EI is to know where you stand. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, to measure your EI across four domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. You can also ask for feedback from others, such as your peers, mentors, or clients, to get a more objective perspective. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and set specific and realistic goals for yourself.

2 Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It can help you improve your self-awareness, which is the foundation of EI. By being mindful, you can recognize your emotions, thoughts, and triggers, and how they affect your behavior and performance. You can also become more aware of the emotions and needs of others, and respond with empathy and compassion. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, or simply taking a pause before reacting.

3 Expand your emotional vocabulary

Another way to improve your EI is to expand your emotional vocabulary. This means learning to name and describe your emotions more accurately and precisely, rather than using vague or generic terms. For example, instead of saying "I'm stressed", you can say "I'm feeling anxious, frustrated, and overwhelmed". By expanding your emotional vocabulary, you can better understand and express your emotions, and also communicate more clearly and respectfully with others.

5 Manage your stress

Stress is inevitable in consulting, but it can also impair your EI. When you are stressed, you may become more reactive, defensive, or impulsive, and less empathetic, creative, or rational. To improve your EI, you need to manage your stress effectively. You can do this by adopting healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. You can also use relaxation techniques, such as yoga, massage, or music, to calm your mind and body.

6 Seek feedback and coaching

The last way to improve your EI is to seek feedback and coaching from others. Feedback can help you identify your blind spots, strengths, and areas for improvement, and also reinforce your positive behaviors. Coaching can help you develop new skills, strategies, and habits to enhance your EI. You can seek feedback and coaching from your peers, mentors, managers, or clients, or from external sources, such as books, courses, or podcasts. You can also use a feedback and coaching journal to track your progress and reflect on your learning.