How can you use EI to build better professional networks in design?

2 Know others

The second step to using EI is to know others. You need to be able to empathize with your network members, and understand their perspectives, needs, and motivations. You also need to be able to recognize and respond to their emotions, and adapt your communication style and tone accordingly. By knowing others, you can build rapport, trust, and respect with your network members, and create positive and lasting impressions. You can also tailor your design solutions and feedback to suit their expectations and preferences.

3 Listen actively

The third step to using EI is to listen actively. You need to be able to pay attention, ask questions, and show interest and curiosity when you interact with your network members. You also need to be able to summarize, paraphrase, and reflect back what you hear, and avoid interrupting, judging, or imposing your views. By listening actively, you can demonstrate your value, appreciation, and understanding of your network members, and encourage them to share more information and insights with you. You can also learn from their experiences, opinions, and feedback, and improve your design skills and knowledge.

4 Express yourself

The fourth step to using EI is to express yourself. You need to be able to articulate your thoughts, ideas, and feelings clearly, concisely, and convincingly when you communicate with your network members. You also need to be able to use appropriate language, tone, and body language, and avoid ambiguity, jargon, or sarcasm. By expressing yourself, you can showcase your creativity, expertise, and passion for design, and influence and persuade your network members. You can also share your feedback, suggestions, and recommendations in a constructive and respectful way, and foster collaboration and innovation.

5 Manage relationships

The fifth step to using EI is to manage relationships. You need to be able to nurture and maintain your connections with your network members, and follow up regularly and consistently. You also need to be able to handle disagreements, conflicts, and challenges in a mature and professional way, and seek win-win solutions. By managing relationships, you can grow and expand your network, and access more opportunities and resources for your design career. You can also support and celebrate your network members, and build a reputation of reliability, credibility, and generosity.

6 Develop yourself

The sixth and final step to using EI is to develop yourself. You need to be able to reflect on your performance, feedback, and outcomes, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You also need to be able to seek and accept constructive criticism, and learn from your mistakes and failures. By developing yourself, you can enhance your EI and networking skills, and achieve your personal and professional goals. You can also contribute to your network, and offer your expertise, advice, and assistance to others.

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?