You're aiming for success in a healthcare career. How can emotional intelligence elevate your journey?

In my journey as a functional nutritionist, I learned that success isn’t just about expertise but also about emotional intelligence. I initially struggled with clients overwhelmed by strict diet and lifestyle protocols. Recognising this, I started listening more deeply and adapting my advice to support their emotional needs. For instance, with a recent client who was dealing with menopausal symptoms, offering flexible plans and emotional support significantly improved her motivation and health. This experience showed me that combining technical knowledge with empathy can greatly enhance my effectiveness and clients’ well-being.

You are not half a leader if you can’t understand and care. Half your battle are won when you show intent to truly get inside the head of a person in trouble or doubt and once understood giving appropriate solutions that would work.

Enquanto gestor de uma unidade, tive a oportunidade de acompanhar a evolu??o de um colega médico em uma jornada pessoal de desenvolvimento de autocontrole. Ele era chefe de plant?o e quase toda semana havia uma reclama??o no plant?o e, geralmente, ele era a pe?a fundamental da situa??o. Passei a realizar encontros semanais com ele, sempre chamado em minha sala para um café. No início ele chegava sempre na defensiva, mas com o passar das semanas, ele já chegava em um tom mais tranquilo. Assim, tive a oportunidade de conhecer um "cara" super família e estudioso. Foram 6 meses sem nenhuma reclama??o!!!

Understanding my emotions and reactions helps me stay calm and effective, even when things get hectic. Staying motivated keeps me on top of my game, and always striving to learn more. Being empathetic allows me to connect better with colleagues and patients, even remotely. Good communication skills ensure that everything runs smoothly, helping me collaborate efficiently and handle any challenges that come up.

A doctor who can read a face, a surgeon who can calm nerves before a surgery with a reassuring pat on the soldier goes a long way in those patients becoming loyal for generations. In today’s day and age, patients don’t just need excellent clinical outcomes, they also wish for doctors who are ready to listen, not judge or interrupt and most importantly to be treated beyond being a bed number

O cuidado com o paciente vai muito além do conhecimento técnico, muitas vezes precisamos apenas ouvir, olhar nos olhos e tocar no paciente para que ele se sinta acolhido e protegido. Por diversas vezes n?o poderemos oferecer a cura, mas podemos oferecer nossa entrega e presen?a de forma verdadeira.

Working remotely, I’ve seen how being emotionally aware helps a lot. It’s about picking up on how others are feeling and communicating better. That creates a supportive vibe, making teamwork smoother and improving the care we provide.

Coping Mechanism: Emotional intelligence helps manage stress; for example, a nurse using mindfulness techniques to handle patient loss. Resilience: It fosters recovery from setbacks, like a doctor bouncing back after a challenging surgery. Passion Sustenance: By regulating emotions, professionals can stay motivated, such as a therapist finding joy in patient progress. Compassion Fatigue Prevention: Understanding emotions helps avoid burnout, like a caregiver taking breaks to recharge. Work-Life Balance: Emotional intelligence supports boundary setting, as seen when a healthcare worker prioritizes personal time after a demanding shift.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for career resilience in healthcare. It enhances your ability to manage stress, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook during challenging times. Understanding and regulating your emotions, you can stay focused and composed under pressure, fostering better decision-making and patient care. Additionally, EI strengthens your relationships with colleagues, creating a supportive network that helps you navigate setbacks and continue progressing in your career. In essence, emotional intelligence not only aids in overcoming obstacles but also empowers you to thrive in the dynamic healthcare environment.

La necesidad de practicar la resiliencia es inminente en el contexto de salud, incluso el concepto es evaluado como un desempe?o que se espera que los profesional de la salud lo lleven a cabo en su día a día. Según mi perspectiva el agotamiento y la motivación se vuelve cíclico muchas veces, la vocación en el sector de salud nos mueve a avanzar en hacer las cosas por el bien de los pacientes, pero sinceramente no siempre va del todo bien. El poder dejar ir lo que no está en nuestras manos, enlistar las tareas en el trabajo, liberar tu mente con tus seres queridos y entender que el camino se construye entre todos es un aprendizaje muchas veces forzoso.

EI is a big factor in deciding when not to react in a difficult situation. Staying calm gives you a different perspective especially in a tough clinical situation. Also it helps while interacting with unpleasant colleagues.

Emotional intelligence isn’t a one-time thing; it’s something you keep working on. Staying curious and open to feedback helps me grow in this area.

Aprendi um grande ensinamento com o técnico Bernardinho em seu livro "transformando suor em ouro". Lá ele nos conta que precisou treinar de maneira específica dois de seus atletas porque um tinha 35 anos e outro apenas 18 anos. Tudo era específico para cada um deles, pois a recupera??o física era muito diferente e ele precisava da for?a do mais novo e da experiência do mais velho. No nosso dia a dia, precisamos ter esse olhar com nossa equipe para que consigamos dar e "tirar" o melhor para cada profissional.