You’re a power engineer who wants to get ahead. What are some ways to develop your emotional intelligence?

1 Assess your EI level

The first step to improving your EI is to know where you stand. You can use self-assessment tools, such as online quizzes, surveys, or journals, to measure your strengths and weaknesses in different aspects of EI, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. You can also ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, or mentors, who can provide you with valuable insights and suggestions.

2 Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It can help you enhance your self-awareness, which is the foundation of EI. By being mindful, you can observe your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and recognize how they affect your behavior and performance. You can also become more aware of your surroundings, and notice the cues and signals from other people. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply focusing on one task at a time.

3 Expand your perspective

Another way to develop your EI is to expand your perspective and empathize with others. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions of other people, and to respond appropriately. It can help you build rapport, trust, and cooperation with your co-workers, clients, and stakeholders. You can expand your perspective by listening actively, asking open-ended questions, expressing curiosity, and acknowledging different viewpoints. You can also seek out diverse experiences, cultures, and opinions, and challenge your own assumptions and biases.

4 Manage your emotions

Managing your emotions is a key skill for EI, as it allows you to regulate your impulses, cope with stress, and make rational decisions. It also helps you avoid negative emotions, such as anger, frustration, or anxiety, that can impair your judgment, productivity, and relationships. You can manage your emotions by identifying the triggers and consequences of your emotional reactions, and choosing appropriate coping strategies, such as relaxation, distraction, or reframing. You can also express your emotions constructively, by using assertive communication, feedback, or support.

5 Improve your social skills

The final aspect of EI is your social skills, which are the abilities to interact effectively and positively with others. Social skills can help you communicate clearly, collaborate efficiently, resolve conflicts, and influence others. You can improve your social skills by practicing active listening, giving and receiving feedback, using positive body language, and adapting to different communication styles. You can also seek out opportunities to network, mentor, or volunteer, and build your professional and personal relationships.