How can you use Emotional Intelligence to promote effective communication in a family business team?

1 Know your emotions

The first step to communicate effectively is to be aware of your own emotions and how they affect your communication style. For example, if you are feeling stressed, frustrated, or angry, you may be more likely to snap at your family members, or to avoid communicating at all. On the other hand, if you are feeling happy, confident, or optimistic, you may be more likely to share your ideas, listen to feedback, and collaborate. To know your emotions, you can practice self-reflection, mindfulness, or journaling, and identify the triggers and patterns of your emotional responses.

2 Manage your emotions

The second step to communicate effectively is to regulate your own emotions and express them appropriately. For example, if you are feeling overwhelmed by a deadline, you can calm yourself down by breathing deeply, taking a break, or asking for help, rather than lashing out at your family members, or shutting down. On the other hand, if you are feeling proud of a project, you can celebrate your success by thanking your family members, giving positive feedback, or rewarding yourself, rather than boasting, ignoring, or downplaying. To manage your emotions, you can use coping strategies, affirmations, or feedback, and choose the right time, place, and tone to communicate your emotions.

4 Manage others' emotions

The fourth step to communicate effectively is to influence your family members' emotions and foster a positive communication climate. For example, if your cousin is feeling demotivated, bored, or indifferent, you may be more likely to motivate them by setting goals, giving feedback, or recognizing their strengths, rather than ignoring, blaming, or micromanaging. On the other hand, if your spouse is feeling inspired, creative, or curious, you may be more likely to encourage them by brainstorming, collaborating, or experimenting, rather than limiting, controlling, or rejecting. To manage others' emotions, you can use praise, humor, or storytelling, and create a culture of trust, respect, and appreciation.

6 Learn and grow

The sixth step to communicate effectively is to learn from your communication experiences and improve your communication skills. For example, if you have a successful communication with your nephew over a project, you may be more likely to learn from it by reflecting on what worked, what didn't, and what you can do better next time, rather than taking it for granted, forgetting, or repeating. On the other hand, if you have a failed communication with your partner over a budget, you may be more likely to learn from it by acknowledging your mistakes, apologizing, and making amends, rather than denying, blaming, or resenting. To learn and grow, you can use feedback, coaching, or training, and seek new opportunities, challenges, and perspectives.