How to enhance your emotional intelligence

Everybody has emotional intelligence; some individuals are simply more conscious of it than others – the good news is it can be developed, as Barrie Sample, personal and team development trainer at PCC, discusses.

Have you ever questioned why certain people just know what to say to not offend or anger us, regardless of the circumstance? Others seem to manage their feelings and stress levels more easily.

The capacity to recognise, control, and affect your own emotions as well as the emotions of those around you is referred to as emotional quotient or emotional intelligence. Researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey first used the term in 1990, but psychologist Daniel Goleman later made it more well-known.

When people are aware of their own emotions as well as those of those around them, communication and relationships improve, and collaboration can naturally develop.

Here are my top four tips for developing your emotional intelligence.

Tip 1: Actively listen

Start by really listening to what’s being said, rather than waiting for your chance to speak. This helps to minimise misunderstandings and it gives you the opportunity to respond in a way that shows respect for the other person’s viewpoint.

Tip 2: Practice a positive attitude

Actively adopt an optimistic mindset at the start of each day and maintain it by looking for the positive in all interactions. Cognitive habits will be progressively reset as a result, and before you realise it, you’ll be unconsciously thinking optimistically.

Tip 3: Develop your self-awareness

Start recording the circumstances you find yourself in, noticing your feelings, and your behaviours. The ability to effectively control your personal triggers will eventually happen when you have a deeper awareness of them.

Tip 4: Develop your empathetic skills

Try putting yourself in other people’s shoes. You can relate to others on many different levels and establish long-lasting relationships thanks to strong empathetic skills. Remember that developing emotional intelligence requires patience.

Your abilities will increase as you practise more. Enhancing your emotional intelligence is one of the virtual workshops PCC offers. The workshop focuses on the five domains created by David Goleman.