When artificial intelligence and automation are on the rise, social competence is more important than ever. Cognitive flexibility and a high EQ are competitive advantages – not only for managers and sales people.
Emotional intelligence is the set of skills and character traits that most successful people have in common.
I'm sure you know of a few very successful people who don't have extensive technical skills. And I'm sure you also know many people who have incredible technical skills, but they are unsuccessful.
Many experts say a high EQ is more critical for your career than a high IQ. I think a healthy combination of both is desirable.
To support the well-being and success of their employees, companies invest increasingly in topics such as emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and meditation.
If your career is at a standstill, you have more conflicts than your colleagues, or you do not receive a fair amount of recognition for your achievements, you could check if a low EQ could be the reason.
The following characteristics are typical for people with potential for increasing their EQ:
6 signs you have a low EQ
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- It is difficult for you to control your emotions. You might say things you later regret, or you overreact. Establishing and nurturing positive relationships is difficult for you.
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- People with a low EQ have many conflicts. Often disputes are not constructive and end in deadlocks. The inability to understand the emotions and motivation of the conversation partner and to adapt to the situation leads to misunderstandings.
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- Not being aware of the impact of their words is another sign of people with a low EQ. They are regularly surprised by the strong reactions of the other person, who perceives that as insensitive. “I didn't mean it that way” is a sign of a lack of emotional intelligence. Emotionally intelligent people know the impact of their words.
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- People with low emotional intelligence rarely know why they are sad or angry. They don't understand the trigger for their negative emotions. In business and in life, they frequently have to repeat unpleasant experiences. “This always happens to me…”
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- They have less influence. It's harder for them to persuade others. Influencing change is difficult when you don't understand the motivation and emotions of someone else.
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- In consequence, they are not good at stress management. They feel stressed easily, and the lack of success and problematic relationships further add to the problem.
If you show one or more signs: no worries. It is possible to increase your EQ. The training itself isn't even difficult. Truth be told, to form new habits and for lasting change, you will have to repeat and train for a duration of about nine weeks.
That is because EQ training, in fact, is brain training. Neuronal connections that do not serve us have to be replaced with new ones.
While you do not have to invest hours of your time each day, you will have to repeat exercises until information turns to knowledge, knowledge turns to skills and skills turn to habits.
But what are a few weeks if you can wreak in the rewards for the rest of your life? In business and in life.
