What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking in an administrative assistant role?

1 Assess your EI

The first step to improve your EI is to assess your current level of emotional awareness, expression, and regulation. You can use online tools, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, to measure your EI skills and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Alternatively, you can ask for feedback from your boss, colleagues, or trusted friends on how they perceive your EI. Be open to constructive criticism and acknowledge the areas where you need to work on.

2 Learn from others

One of the best ways to enhance your EI is to learn from others who have high EI or who can mentor you in developing your EI skills. Observe how they interact with different people, how they handle difficult situations, how they cope with stress, and how they express their emotions. Ask them questions, seek their advice, and emulate their positive behaviors. You can also join online or offline groups, such as the Administrative Professionals Network, where you can network with other administrative assistants and share your experiences and challenges.

3 Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It can help you improve your EI by increasing your self-awareness, reducing your stress, enhancing your empathy, and improving your communication. You can practice mindfulness by doing simple activities, such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or journaling. You can also use apps, such as Headspace or Calm, to guide you through mindfulness exercises. Try to practice mindfulness for at least 10 minutes a day and notice how it affects your mood and behavior.

4 Respond, don't react

One of the most important aspects of EI is the ability to respond to situations, rather than react to them impulsively. This means that you can pause, think, and choose the most appropriate action, instead of letting your emotions take over and cause you to say or do something that you might regret later. To respond, rather than react, you need to recognize your triggers, such as certain words, tones, or gestures, that make you feel angry, frustrated, or hurt. Then, you need to calm yourself down by using techniques, such as counting to 10, taking deep breaths, or walking away. Finally, you need to express your emotions in a respectful and constructive way, using "I" statements, active listening, and assertive communication.

6 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?