” How mayest it be that your IQ got you a job but you are about to lose that job because you haveth not EQ”?As we get older our intelligence quotient stops growing and starts diminishing .But that is definitely not the case for emotional intelligence, which like fine wine gets better with age. Emotional intelligence is all about keeping your emotions under wraps .Emotional intelligence helps you manage your own emotions and the emotions of people around you which means that you think, operate and function mostly with your head and not your heart. Emotionally intelligent people are usually known to exhibit certain behavioral patterns like:
- They can flow with the change of tide which is usually hindered by a very strong emotion; fear.
- They usually do a personal analysis on themselves and can tell their strengths and their weaknesses. This helps them know their negative triggers and how best to manage them.
- They can read others behaviors. This helps them to relate with people better.
- They are open to feedback like constructive criticism.
- They are able to mark boundaries for themselves and enforce those boundaries.
This brings me to the basic emotions, whatever emotion in play at any time can be grouped under one of these: disgust, sadness, anger, fear, happiness, surprise.
Disgust is a strong feeling of disapproval and dislike at a situation or a person’s behavior.
Sadness is an emotional state that is characterized by feelings of unhappiness and low mood.
Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone you feel has deliberately done you wrong.
Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.
Happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction and contentment.
Surprise is an emotional state experienced as the result of an unexpected significant event.
You will be referred to as having a strong personality if you are able to create a benchmark for yourself as regards the above mentioned emotions, that way you are never emotionally hijacked, for example being angry is not the challenge, the challenge is being angry at the right person ,at the right degree, at the right time, for the right reasons, and through the right channels.
Emotional intelligence can be explained in 2 modes:
- Intrapersonal intelligence
- Interpersonal intelligence
Intrapersonal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings and being able to use such knowledge in planning and giving your life a path to run with .Intrapersonal intelligence involves not only the appreciation of one’s self but also of the human conditions. This intelligence is about the capacity to explore one’s inner world and feelings. This type of intelligence can help a person focus on planning and managing their life. Examples of intrapersonal intelligence include: rational thought, emotion control, discipline, concentration and introspection.
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of people close to you, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives. Examples of interpersonal intelligence includes: awareness of yourself and others, caring about other people ,comforting people when they need it, relating and working well with others, clear communication skills, conflict management skills and resolution skills
The Crucial Role of Media in Society