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In today's professional world, technical skills and experience are essential, but another crucial asset is gaining importance: emotional intelligence or emotional quotient (EQ). This key skill, which influences our success and well-being, deserves to be better understood and cultivated. Let's explore this concept and discover how it can transform our professional and personal lives...

- The EQ -

The term « emotional intelligence » was popularized by Daniel Goleman in his eponymous book published in 1995. He defines emotional quotient as the ability to understand others' emotions as well as one's own and then use this knowledge to achieve the best outcome. According to him, EQ can contribute more to success than pure intellect (IQ). It should be noted that when we talk about IQ, we refer to intellect, not intelligence (these are two different notions).

- The heart -

When we think of emotional intelligence, images of a person with exceptional compassion, empathy, and listening skills might come to mind. While these characteristics are indeed signs of high EQ, it also includes self-understanding, the origin of our own emotions, and the strength to express them. It's not just about how we treat others, but also about our self-awareness. It's not about revealing all our childhood traumas in a Monday morning meeting but having a robust internal management system that guides us when we experience intense emotions such as sadness, anger (even rage).

Anxiety is another overwhelming emotion that affects us all to varying degrees. Some seek the thrill of a roller coaster ride to channel their fears, while others avoid these situations at all costs. On the anxiety spectrum, two groups emerge :

The high achievers who try to mask their imposter syndrome by outperforming. They work harder to ensure all their worries are under control.

The underperformers who avoid the burden of responsibilities by dodging anxiety-inducing tasks, thus expressing their anxiety differently.

It seems that avoidance and, conversely, overwork do not help us achieve a lasting state of calm. Social media exacerbates the problem by highlighting our digital narcissism (conscious or unconscious), creating an endless spiral of envy, fear, depression, anxiety, and suffocating time constraints.

- The components -

Emotional intelligence comprises five components expressed in various ways :

Intrapersonal : Awareness of our strengths and weaknesses, mastery of our emotions, and optimal use of our talents.

Interpersonal : Empathy towards others' emotions, ability to establish and maintain relationships.

Adaptability : Understanding our environment, openness to others' ideas and solutions.

Stress management : Resilience to stress, control and management of emotions and impulses.

General mood : Positive attitude, perceiving problems as challenges, which fosters happiness.

People with high EQ generally exhibit the following characteristics :

They are more efficient, determined, and motivated in their work. Their positive mindset is contagious and encourages others.

They manage setbacks, stress, and pressure better.

They have social skills and work well within a team.

Thanks to their empathy, they can feel and identify their own emotions and those of others.

In the face of conflicts and busy periods, they have strategies to keep their emotions in check, allowing them to find solutions that satisfy all parties.

They are flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances.

They are open to constructive criticism and integrate it positively.

Due to their strong self-awareness, they quickly realize when they are overstepping their limits. They take better care of themselves and are, therefore, less prone to burnout.

- In the professional environment -

Studies show a link between EQ and professional performance. Emotionally intelligent people generally achieve better results than those with low EQ, except in certain sectors and fields that require a high degree of abstract thinking (computer science, sciences, engineering, among others).

Emotional intelligence is increasingly considered an essential skill that improves professional relationships and enables more effective problem and conflict resolution. Research also indicates that people with high EQ manage workplace stress better, positively impacting their performance and well-being at work.

If emotional intelligence is drawing more attention than before, it is also because the work environment has significantly evolved over the years. We increasingly work in teams, and faced with rapid technological developments, we must always adapt better. People with higher EQ manage these changes better since they are flexible and open to new ideas and ways of working. Finally, emotionally intelligent people are often more motivated and disciplined, thus encouraging their colleagues to perform well. In short, they create a positive atmosphere within the company that reduces staff turnover and attracts new talent.

- Developing our emotional intelligence -

If we do not naturally possess strong emotional skills, we can develop them. Here are seven tips to improve our emotional intelligence :

Think before acting : Avoid impulsive reactions.

Improve social skills : Learn to listen with empathy, pay attention to non-verbal communication, ask questions, and provide feedback if requested.

Consider others' perspectives : Understand their point of view and react accordingly.

Show motivation and enthusiasm : Inspire others with a positive attitude.

Stop comparing ourselves to others : Trust ourselves and dare to push our limits.

Do not dwell on mistakes : Be courageous and persevere.

Be aware of our emotions and thoughts : Write them down if necessary.

Focus on potential solutions, not problems. If problems persist, circumvent them to find other approaches to solve them.

Conclusions

Emotional intelligence is much more than a simple social skill : it is a fundamental element of our professional and personal success. Cultivating our EQ allows us to better manage our emotions, strengthen our interpersonal relationships, and navigate the challenges of the modern working world more effectively. By investing in our emotional intelligence, we create a more harmonious and productive work environment while bringing ourselves closer to our best potential. Ultimately, it is a quest for a more balanced and fulfilling life, both professionally and personally.

What do you think?