The term was coined by psychologists in the 1990s and spread quickly among psychologists and beyond.
Emotional intelligence is critical for interpersonal communication, not only in personal relationships but also in the business world.
In turn, this emotional understanding helps usmake decisions, solve problems, and communicate with others.
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Psychologists used to viewemotionsand intelligence as being in opposition to one another.
In recent decades, however, researchers exploring emotion psychology have become increasingly interested in cognition and affect.
Goleman argues that emotional intelligence is a critical predictor of success in life.
Emotional competencies, he argued, play a particularly important role in the workplace.
The concept quickly attracted the attention of human resource managers and business leaders.
It also affects overall performance on the job.
Other studies have linked emotional intelligence with job satisfaction.
Goleman suggested that, althoughtraditional intelligencewas associated with leadership success, it alone was not enough.
People who are successful at work aren’t just smart; they also have a high EQ.
But emotional intelligence is not just for CEOs and senior managers.
If you want to succeed in the workplace and move up the career ladder, emotional intelligence is critical.
Why EQ Matters in the Workplace
Why is emotional intelligence such a valued workplace skill?
It is also a skill that researchers believe can be improved with training and practice.
One 2011 study found that participants who trained in key emotional competencies showed lasting improvements in emotional intelligence.
Self-awareness involves being aware of different aspects of yourself, including your emotions and feelings.
It is one of thefoundational components of emotional intelligence.
To recognize your emotions and understand their causes, you should probably first beself-aware.
Practice Self-Regulation
Goleman identifiedself-regulationas a critical part of emotional intelligence.
People who possess good self-regulation are able to adapt well to changing situations.
Employees and leaders with great social skills are able to build rapport with colleagues and communicate their ideas effectively.
Empathy is more than just recognizing how others are feeling.
It also involves how you respond to these emotions.
In the workplace, empathy allows you to understand the different dynamics between colleagues and supervisors.
Work on Your Motivation
Another key component of emotional intelligence is intrinsic motivation.
People who have strong EQ tend to be more motivated to achieve goals for their own sake.
They are passionate about what they do.
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