How can peer supporters use emotional intelligence to build better relationships?

1 What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a set of skills that enable you to perceive, express, understand, and regulate your own and others' emotions. EI has four main components: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values. Self-management is the ability to control your impulses, adapt to changing situations, and pursue your goals. Social awareness is the ability to empathize with others, appreciate their perspectives, and respect their diversity. Relationship management is the ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, cooperate with others, and build trust.

2 Why is emotional intelligence important for peer supporters?

Peer supporters need to have high emotional intelligence in order to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for their peers. This means actively and attentively listening, expressing emotions appropriately, understanding their peers' emotions, needs, and motivations, regulating their own emotions, communicating effectively with positive and constructive feedback, resolving conflicts with empathy, compromise, and problem-solving skills, cooperating through teamwork and collaboration, and building trust through respect, authenticity, and confidentiality. These are all important skills for peer supporters to have in order to be successful.

4 How can peer supporters develop their emotional intelligence?

Developing your emotional intelligence is an ongoing process that requires practice, reflection, and feedback. To develop your EI skills and competencies, you should practice self-awareness by paying attention to your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Techniques such as journaling, meditation, or mindfulness can help you become more aware of yourself. Additionally, you should practice self-management by regulating your emotions, impulses, and actions. Techniques such as breathing, relaxation, or positive affirmations can help you manage stress and emotions. Furthermore, you should practice social awareness by observing and understanding others' emotions, needs, and perspectives. Techniques such as active listening, empathy, or perspective-taking can help you gain a better understanding of those around you. Finally, you should practice relationship management by communicating effectively and resolving conflicts. Techniques such as feedback, assertiveness, or negotiation can help you build trust with others.

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?