How Can I Make Myself More Emotionally Intelligent?

In order for us to be emotionally intelligent, we have to be more self-aware of our feelings. For example, when we wake up in the morning and look at the weather, we might say, "I feel good because the sun is shining outside."

So this is the golden tip number one for becoming more emotionally intelligent.

# 2 Recognise how others feel

Recognizing and understanding how others feel is an essential aspect of empathy in action. Let's take a look at a conversation between Sam and Sarah as an example:

Sam: How do you feel today?

Sarah: I don't feel too good.

Sam: Why? What is wrong?

Sarah: My boyfriend left me.

Sam: I am so sorry. Please take a seat. Let me be there for you.

In this brief interaction, Sam demonstrates empathy by acknowledging Sarah's feelings, expressing sympathy for her situation, and offering support. This exchange highlights the importance of empathy, which is considered the number one leadership skill that we all need to practice.

By empathizing with others, we can build stronger connections, foster a sense of understanding, and provide comfort and support when needed. It is a skill that enables us to create a positive and compassionate environment in both personal and professional relationships.

# 3 Active Listening

Practicing active listening is an integral part of increasing our emotional intelligence. It involves being fully present and engaged in the conversation, focusing not only on the words being spoken but also on the underlying emotions and non-verbal cues.

In the context of counseling skills, let's refer back to the small case study of Sam and Sarah, where basic concepts of active listening were applied. Sam was clear active listener.

Despite having been a teacher, I still remind myself of the need to practice this skill because listening is crucial not only in my profession but also in personal interactions.

Furthermore, our ability to listen attentively and pay attention to the emotions conveyed through tone requires patience and active listening. This skill is not only relevant in the workplace but also in our everyday lives at home.

In summary, we all need to practice active listening consistently, making it a daily habit. By doing so, we can enhance our emotional intelligence and strengthen our connections with others.

# 4 Communicate clearly

So, for instance, if you are a regular reader here and watch my videos, you will notice my conscious effort to communicate in a clear and engaging manner. This ability can be attributed to my previous teaching profession, which has provided me with the necessary skills to deliver information effectively.

This area of learning is also highly beneficial for developing greater emotional intelligence, as it shapes our thoughts and feelings to align with attentiveness towards others, consequently fostering higher levels of self-awareness.

Another important aspect to consider when leveraging communication to effectively enhance emotional intelligence is the need to slow down in life.

For some of us, this can be quite challenging; however, it is crucial to prioritize this practice, as neglecting it can lead to elevated levels of stress and burnout if we are not careful.

In summary, within the realm of emotional intelligence, it is essential to master your emotions within different groups of people, as these dynamics may vary from one group to another.

# 5 Stay Positive

Maybe it may sound a little obvious and cheesy, but the science is clear: speaking words of positivity out loud guides the brain towards other thoughts that we can build upon in our personal development.

In the end, reflecting on our thoughts helps us improve our mastery levels and cultivate a more positive mindset, even during the darkest of times.

Throughout the week, I have been encouraging my followers on social media to prioritize rest and spend some time sitting in a chair, allowing ourselves to meditate on our thoughts.

# 6 Empathize

Empathize for you and others - simply to exercise the number leadership skill.

Conclusion

As you do the above six, you will become more emotionally intelligent over time.

In conclusion, we should also mention that Emotional Intelligence is a lifetime learning game with ups and downs. Even with decades of research in psychology, we do not always know exactly what is happening inside the brain.

Reflecting on our thoughts can lead to an enhanced mental wellbeing - which can be a strong way to cope with even the highest levels of stress and anxiety.

Stephen Fahey ?is one of the world's newest and brightest emotional intelligence experts. He has profound knowledge in several different domains, including leadership styles, organizational behavior, and mental health studies for operational success. Stephen's new mission is to build a data analytics platform and mobile app under his brand?Mental Health 4U . The platform aims to bring together all his expertise and help brands sell viable products to vital markets.

Follow Stephen on LinkedIn for the world's best thought leadership, and find the business insights you really need as an L&D operative.

Stephen Fahey 's unique expertise derives from being a former Army reservist, qualified personal trainer, former teacher, and trauma survivor. He knows more than most, not just by research but through emotional learning and re-learning.