We hear a lot of talk about emotional intelligence, or EQ, but ask most people to give you an example of it, and they cannot.
So what is it?
EQ is defined as “the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions.” Emotional intelligence makes us aware of how the things we do and say affect other people and allows us to alter our behavior to create healthier relationships.
Two major ways emotional intelligence manifests in our lives are through awareness and empathy.
Are you aware of how what you are doing and saying is affecting the people around you? Do you notice when someone isn’t quite herself, or when he seems to be having a bad day?
Are you able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes when you have to make tough decisions that affect others? Are you able to see your own actions from the perspective of someone else?
It is becoming clearer and clearer that EQ is a much better predictor of success than IQ, both personally and professionally.
Why? Because EQ determines how well individuals work and play with others. It also determines leadership qualities, work ethic and impulse control, all qualities sorely lacking in our culture today.
Indeed, experts agree that Emotional Intelligence is disappearing from our culture at an alarming rate never seen before.
If you were to pick one area of life to grow and improve in this year, let it be Emotional Intelligence. Become a student of EQ, live it out in your own life and observe it in others. Few things will have as much of an impact on your success, happiness, joy, and relationships. So remember, don’t just be yourself, be the-best-version-of-yourself.
Matthew Kelly
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