Emotional Intelligence
When looking at your best qualities, what do you think sets you apart from the rest? Is it your prior work experience? How you present yourself when you walk into a room? What about your Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence is the most sought after attribute, but it’s also the most over looked. Emotional Intelligence is that piece of you that makes you, you.
It’s intangible.
It’s critical.
It is always setting the star performers apart from the pack, but what does Emotional Intelligence really entail? According to Travis Bradberry, writer for Forbes, emotional intelligence, “affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions that achieve positive results.” Emotional Intelligence is how you operate on a professional level. It’s how you interact with your surroundings, and how you deal with issues that may arise in the work-place.
Emotional Intelligence is sought after in the work-place by hiring managers more so than IQ tests or test scores. The following are a few key points in increasing your Emotional Intelligence:
- The Ability to Stay Cool and Manage Stress
Let’s face it, in work and in your personal life, everyone experiences stress. The important thing is how you handle it. It is so easy to get frazzled and upset when things don’t go your way, but it is important that we don’t let our emotions get the best of us. When you feel yourself starting to lose control, keep a cool mind and strategize a plan to fix the problem. I tend to make a list of things that can be done right now, and things that can wait. This always helps me put what needs to be done first, and allows me to have a calm mind while doing so.
- The Ability to Be Assertive and Take Conflict Head-On
In every work environment, you are going to have conflict. There is always going to be someone who isn’t your biggest fan, or someone who always wants to pawn their work on you. When this happens, be assertive-Don’t avoid the situation. Let them know that it’s not okay, but you always need to make sure you do it in a professional manner. When I have problems with co-workers, I always make sure to let them know that I understand where they are coming from. I make sure I look at both points of views, but I also let them know where I stand on the situation. Above all else, always make sure you are not insulting them. People are more open to communicate and compromise when they feel they are being understood.
- The Ability to Bounce Back From Adversity
Let’s just get this out of the way- YOU ARE GOING TO FAIL. You are going to be trusted to get a project done on time, and you will miss the deadline. You will get things wrong, and sometimes it will cost you, but that’s how you learn. Human error isn’t something to hate yourself for. When things don’t go your way, don’t shut down. Take it, and run with it. When I fail at something, I get back up and strategize what I can do differently next time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worked so hard for something and had it thrown back at me. Let those failures define you, and find a way to work it to your advantage.
To read more ways to increase your Emotional Intelligence, click here.
Emotional Intelligence is something that I wish I would have known about before I went to college, and before I started my career, but it’s never too late to start. So let me ask you,
What are you going to do different to increase your Emotional Intelligence?
What are you going to do different to make yourself a harder worker?
What are you going to do different to be a better you?
About the Author
Morgan Jones is a sophomore accounting student at Western Governors University and plans to graduate in January of 2016. Following her education she wants to pursue a Master’s program in hopes of getting her CPA. She is gaining insight into the business world while learning the ropes of what it takes to be a part of a growing company with Results Staffing.