What are the signs of low emotional intelligence and how can you improve them?

2 Difficulty expressing emotions

Another sign of low emotional intelligence is difficulty expressing emotions, which means you are not able to communicate your feelings clearly and appropriately to others. You may either bottle up your emotions and avoid confrontation, or explode and lash out when you are overwhelmed or frustrated. Difficulty expressing emotions can result in misunderstandings, conflicts, resentment, and isolation. To improve your emotional expression, you can learn to use "I" statements, assertive communication, active listening, and nonverbal cues that convey your emotions in a respectful and constructive way.

3 Lack of empathy

A third sign of low emotional intelligence is lack of empathy, which means you are not able to understand and share the emotions of others, or to put yourself in their shoes. You may also have a hard time reading other people's body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, or cues that indicate their feelings. Lack of empathy can make you appear insensitive, selfish, cold, or uncaring. To improve your empathy, you can practice perspective-taking, emotional labeling, validation, and compassion. You can also expose yourself to different cultures, experiences, and viewpoints that challenge your assumptions and broaden your horizons.

4 Poor social skills

A fourth sign of low emotional intelligence is poor social skills, which means you are not able to build and maintain positive and meaningful relationships with others. You may also have a low level of emotional rapport, trust, and cooperation with your peers, colleagues, friends, or family. Poor social skills can hamper your personal and professional growth, as well as your happiness and well-being. To improve your social skills, you can seek feedback, join social groups or clubs, volunteer, network, or mentor others. You can also practice gratitude, appreciation, praise, and recognition for the people in your life.

5 Low motivation

A fifth sign of low emotional intelligence is low motivation, which means you are not able to set and pursue your goals, or to overcome challenges and obstacles. You may also have a low level of self-confidence, self-efficacy, and self-discipline. Low motivation can affect your performance, productivity, and satisfaction in your work and personal life. To improve your motivation, you can create SMART goals, break them down into manageable steps, track your progress, celebrate your achievements, and reward yourself. You can also seek inspiration, support, and guidance from others who share your vision and values.

6 Inflexible mindset

A sixth sign of low emotional intelligence is inflexible mindset, which means you are not able to adapt to changing circumstances, or to learn from your mistakes and feedback. You may also have a fixed or rigid view of yourself, others, and the world, and resist new ideas, opportunities, or perspectives. Inflexible mindset can limit your creativity, innovation, and growth, as well as your ability to cope with stress and uncertainty. To improve your inflexible mindset, you can embrace a growth mindset, which means you believe that you can improve your abilities and skills through effort, practice, and feedback. You can also cultivate curiosity, openness, and resilience, and seek challenges that stretch your comfort zone and potential.