What do you do if you want to develop emotional intelligence through self-awareness?

EI always starts with looking at yourself. "What am I feeling now, and why?" is a powerful starting point for self-awareness. Self-awareness can be categorized into two distinct dimensions: internal and external. Internal self-awareness involves introspection and self-reflection, gaining insight into our thoughts, feelings, and values. External self-awareness entails understanding how we are perceived by others and how our actions impact those around us. In the workplace, it is a critical skill that underpins many aspects of success, such as decision-making, effective communication, leadership, and conflict resolution. Self-awareness is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to personal growth.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) involves recognizing, understanding, managing, and using emotions effectively. A key component of EI is self-awareness, which includes recognizing one's emotions, accurately assessing oneself, and maintaining self-confidence. Self-awareness is fundamental to EI as it enables individuals to identify their emotions, reflect on their feelings, and understand how these impact their thoughts and actions. This leads to improved self-regulation, decision-making, and relationships. Enhancing self-awareness can be achieved through mindfulness, journaling, seeking feedback, and regular self-reflection, fostering personal growth and better emotional intelligence.

Empezar el viaje a conocerse a si mismo, listar los gustos y como respondemos a ellos en los diferentes ambientes para observar que el comportamiento sea equilibrado en el trabajo. Por otro lado, listar lo que nos es desagradable de nosotros y de otras personas, ubicar cuál es el detonador con el fin de entender que nos pasa internamente, sin juicio sólo buscando la causa raíz. Es importante para sumarse con recursos a este viaje ir acompa?ado de un especialista en el área. Este ejercicio es un gran paso para el ámbito laboral y para todos los aspectos de la vida principalmente para mejorar la relación con nosotros mismos. Porque quién no es decidido y paciente con sí mismo es probable no tenga una satisfactoria carrera laboral.

Reflecting daily on your emotions and experiences enhances self-awareness, a key component of emotional intelligence (EI). By taking time each day to consider your feelings, you can identify patterns, triggers, and impacts on your behavior. This practice helps you understand your emotional responses, improving self-regulation and decision-making. Daily reflection can be done through mindfulness, journaling, or simply setting aside quiet time for introspection. This habit fosters personal growth, better relationships, and a deeper understanding of yourself, ultimately enhancing your overall emotional intelligence.

Adopting a practice of daily reflection allows you to pause to consider situations and your reactions to them. This reflection should be done with a spirit of curiosity (ie non-judgmentally). A few ways you can practice reflecting include journaling, meditation, and making gratitude lists. Another way to approach daily reflection is to ask yourself, "What did I learn today?" Or "how did I handle my emotions today?"

Reflexionar sobre lo que paso en el día y como reaccionamos y nos sentimos con esa reacción nos garantiza mejorar la auto regulación y afianzar el autoconocimiento, la vida va muy deprisa y cada vez tenemos comportamientos automáticos como respuesta a ese dinamismo. Es por ello que ser disciplinados en sacar tiempo para reflexionar sobre nuestras acciones es eficiente y saludable nos da ese momento de contemplar asertivamente cómo vamos e incluso nos programa a estar más presente y así poder gestionar nuestras relaciones y parte de nuestra salud mental ya que si podemos intervenir conscientemente en nuestros entornos laborales familiares y sociales eso influirá positivamente en nuestro estado de ánimo general.

Feedback acts as a mirror, reflecting aspects of ourselves that we may not readily see. Obtaining honest feedback from trusted individuals provides invaluable insights into how our emotions and behaviors impact others. It's essential to approach the process with openness and vulnerability. Resist the urge to become defensive or justify your actions. Instead, listen attentively and receptively to others' perspectives. The goal is not to prove yourself right but to gain insights to fuel personal and professional growth. By inviting others to share their perceptions of our emotional responses, we gain valuable insights, identify blind spots, and create development opportunities.

Es necesario contar con la visión objetiva de amigos cercanos con respecto a nuestro comportamiento, ellos nos pueden dar otra mirada de cómo nos perciben y los puntos ciegos que normalmente tenemos. Esa información adicional a la nuestra nos acerca a una valoración aterrizada y real de nosotros. Escuchar atentamente lo que dicen y estudiarlo con detenimiento nos dará una perspectiva más integral de las acciones para la mejora. Garantizando la escucha activa, la reflexión posterior para explicar y exponer nuestro punto si fuera necesario, aclarándole al compa?ero que hará la evaluación estos aspectos, así el silencio o carencia de conclusión no es tomado como molestia.

Stress can hijack our thoughts and emotions, affecting our ability to lead effectively. Managing this stress is vital for success. Techniques such as the 3-4-5 breathing method, the Eisenhower Matrix, and focus are great tools. It's important to do hard things first and meet challenges head-on; tackling them early can alleviate stress and pave the way for smoother progress in other areas. Mastering the skill of remaining present and composed under pressure is essential; it can be cultivated over time. Prioritize self-care, as teams thrive under leaders who exhibit calmness and control in chaos. Your team will recognize and value your leadership capabilities when you demonstrate resilience and emotional stability during challenging times.

En un estado de ansiedad o nerviosismo no se logra generar estados de autoconciencia plena y mucho menos identificar áreas de mejora. Por ello, es necesario gestionar el estrés con herramientas prácticas como: meditación, yoga, ejercicio, entre otras utilizando la que mejor se adapte a su estilo de vida acompa?ándolo de una saludable nutrición y buen descanso reducirá los estresores. Otro aspecto importante es la gestión del tiempo para priorizar lo realmente importante y así no vivir el día a día enredados en actividades interminables que no suman valor y que generan estrés. Se esta forma se acondiciona el cuerpo y la mente a las exigencias de la autocontemplación, para responder de forma regulada y saludable a los diferentes desafíos.

Empathy, a crucial aspect of emotional intelligence (EI), involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It enhances relationships and communication by fostering deeper connections. Practicing empathy requires active listening, being present in conversations, and acknowledging others' emotions without judgment. Developing empathy can be achieved by observing non-verbal cues, asking open-ended questions, and genuinely considering others' perspectives. By cultivating empathy, you can improve your ability to relate to others, navigate social interactions more effectively, and create a supportive and understanding environment both personally and professionally.

Es importante hacernos más conscientes que todos estamos inmersos en una compleja situación de rutinas, fracasos y desilusiones por lo que cada quien lleva su batalla interior con los recursos que posee, de modo que comprender que las acciones del otro pueden estar más relacionada con su valoración del mundo nos lleva a desarrollar más empatía, a escuchar incluso aquello que no dicen pero que se refleja en sus acciones y, sólo así poniéndonos en sus zapatos podemos sintonizarnos en ser parte de un mejor ambiente laboral para todos ofreciendo a veces silencio, comprensión, ayuda y nuestro propio ejemplo de gestión de las emociones lo que es muy positivo para la disciplina interior del día a día.

Emotional intelligence is not possible without empathy, which holds immense value in the workforce. The effects of a lack of empathy in leadership can be profound and far-reaching. When leaders fail to empathize with their team members, it can breed feelings of disconnection, isolation, and mistrust. People want to know you care. Actively seek to understand situations from your team members' perspectives. Employ attentive listening and observe body language to gain insights into others' emotional states. By integrating empathy into your leadership approach, you nurture stronger bonds with your team and refine your emotional intelligence, enabling you to navigate interpersonal dynamics with greater insight and compassion.

Mindfulness involves staying present and fully engaging with the current moment, which can significantly enhance self-awareness, a key component of emotional intelligence (EI). Practicing mindfulness helps you recognize and understand your emotions as they arise, allowing for better management and response. Techniques such as mindful breathing, meditation, and body scans can reduce stress and improve focus. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can cultivate a greater awareness of your thoughts and feelings, leading to improved emotional regulation, decision-making, and overall emotional intelligence.

Let's face it—we all have blind spots regarding self-awareness. That's where therapy or counseling can work wonders. Our society places great emphasis on physical fitness. However, when it comes to mental well-being, we often overlook its importance. Just as we commit to physical workouts, mental wellness deserves a place in our daily routines. Think of therapy as a toolbox filled with powerful instruments for self-discovery and healing—it's a workout for the mind, making you mentally stronger. Whether grappling with past traumas, navigating relationship challenges, or seeking clarity in chaos, a skilled therapist can give guidance, support, and perspective. This can enhance your leadership style and set the stage for lasting success.