Gone are the days when your intellect was measured by your IQ and your marks. The world is now transcending into a more dynamic environment where well-rounded individuals are preferred and, these very individuals excel in their goals.
So what exactly is Emotional Quotient (EQ)? Emotional quotient (EQ) is the ability of individuals to recognize their own as well as, other people’s emotions, to differentiate between different feelings and label them appropriately, to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, and to manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt environments or achieve one’s goals.
Although this concept has been around for quite sometime, but it has been brought into limelight quite recently. The question is why? In simple terms, higher EQ corresponds to higher productivity and thus, higher sales/profit. High EQ is directly proportional to better job performance, which also accounts for better salaries.
Now that we have your attention, let us explain. The most important fact that leads to emotionally mature individuals is that Emotions are a choice. You, as an individual, have all the control over your own personal emotions, it only depends upon how often and how exactly do you govern them. As we grow old and fill our treasure chest of life with multi variegated experiences, we attain a higher level of emotional maturity. That is precisely what EQ means.
The fun part lies here – your IQ does not increase drastically with every new fact, figure, and experience that you learn over the course of your life. On the contrary, you can always keep working on your EQ and acquire a higher level of emotional maturity. Need some motivation to grow your EQ? Statistics dictate that people with higher EQ tend to earn $29,000/year more than their colleagues with a relatively lower EQ.
To dig a little deeper, EQ is composed of 4 factors –
1.Self Awareness
Self Awareness corresponds to the ability of understanding your own emotions, analysing them and, thinking about them at the right time. Remember, it is okay to feel angry, sad, happy, frustrated and every other emotion you want to feel. But, it is NOT okay to instantly act on them.
2.Self Leadership
Like we mentioned how it’s absolutely justified to feel what you feel, what’s more important is the reaction. Perhaps, this is the one place where “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction” should not be applicable. Sorry, Mr.Newton!
Self leadership can be mastered purely by practice. You have to stay alert and manage your reactions to the situation at hand.
3.Social Awareness
Social Awareness deals with your surroundings and your social stand. The first two factors talk about YOUR emotions and concerns. But EQ is not limited to yourself, it extends to your environment, too.
While you understand your emotions and deal with them, it is necessary to start picking up on other’s emotions. This ability is based around your capability to listen and observe
4.Relationship Management
The last factor is a culmination of all the above factors. When your emotions are in check, you’re going to be a wiser and a mature person. This will improve the quality of your relationships over time and make you into a better partner, leader, manager, parent.
In conclusion, we can’t stress enough on how Emotional Quotient is the need of the hour. It ultimately leads to have a much more refined sense of belonging and relationship in your life. And always remember to Be smarter than your emotions.