Introduction: Why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Is the New Superpower
The world is changing rapidly with automation, artificial intelligence and remote communication technologies. But one human strength remains the most important – emotional intelligence (EQ).
Emotional intelligence means the ability to recognize, understand, express, manage and use emotions of oneself and others for good. It is the ability to communicate and connect with others in a positive way. It is the foundation of our personal happiness and success at work.
While IQ and technical skills (such as computer or business knowledge) help you get ahead, it is emotional intelligence that determines how high you can reach.
Be it resolving a conflict, understanding someone’s grief, managing a team or adapting to change – good emotional intelligence is very useful in all these.
In fact, many studies have shown that emotional intelligence accounts for almost 90% of the difference between people who do well in leadership or team management tasks and those who don’t.
1. Five main parts of emotional intelligence
Famous psychologist and author of the book “Emotional Intelligence”, Dr. Daniel Goleman, said that there are five main parts of emotional intelligence (EQ):
Self-Awareness
Self-Regulation
Motivation
Empathy
Social Skills
2. Self-Awareness: Understanding Yourself
What is it:
Recognizing your own feelings and thoughts and understanding why we are feeling this way.
Why is it important:
Only when we recognize our feelings, we can handle them properly. This can prevent wrong decisions.
Simple ways:
Write down your thoughts in a diary every day.
Stop and ask yourself at some point during the day: “How am I feeling right now?”
Ask trusted people how they see you.
Example: If someone criticizes you in a meeting, think before you speak out in anger, take a deep breath and respond calmly.
3. Self-control: Controlling your anger and emotions
What it is:
Think calmly and act appropriately even when something feels wrong.
Why it’s important:
Being calm in a stressful situation sets you apart from others. It makes people trust you.
Simple ways:
When you get angry, count to 10.
Take deep breaths slowly.
Don’t think negatively about everything, but try to see the positive side.
Example: If your team’s work is late, instead of getting angry, stay calm, call a meeting and find a solution.
4. Motivation: The desire to work hard on your own
What is it:
The desire to do something well by being motivated by yourself without any reward or pressure.
Why it is important:
Such people keep working even in difficult times and never give up.
Easy ways:
Set small easy goals.
Think about how good you will feel when you finish the work.
Keep a record of your progress every day.
Example:
A programmer works late into the night because he enjoys creating something new, not just for money.
5. Empathy: Understanding the feelings of others
What is it:
Understanding what others are feeling and behaving accordingly.
Why it is important:
When you understand the feelings of others, people start trusting you.
Easy ways:
Listen carefully to someone, don’t interrupt.
Think, “How would I feel if I were in his place?”
Look carefully at the other person’s face, voice and body language.
Example: If a team member is not doing a good job, then instead of getting angry, ask – is there any problem? This will help him understand what you are saying.
6. Social skills: Getting along well with everyone
What is it: Talking well to people, working together in a team and saying the right thing at the right time.
Why is it important: People who take everyone along become good leaders and earn the respect of everyone in the team.
Easy ways: Understand the tone of the other person and talk.
Say what you want to say clearly and calmly. When there is an argument, say sentences like “I feel this way” so that the matter does not escalate.
Example: If two people are fighting, then listen to both of them, make them compromise and create a good atmosphere in the team.
7. How emotional intelligence affects the office and workplace:
People who have good EQ work together in a team and feel less stressed.
Such people maintain a good office environment where everyone can speak openly and feel safe.
What are the benefits:
A good relationship is built with the customer and the service is better.
Everyone’s ideas are expressed openly, which increases new thinking.
When there is a problem or conflict, it can be resolved wisely.
Example: If a major crisis occurs in the company, then instead of spreading anger or fear, a leader with EQ calms everyone down, listens to them and tries to find a solution.
8. Emotional intelligence at home and in personal life
Improves relationships:
With the help of EQ, you can show love, understanding and sympathy well.
This reduces conflicts in relationships and increases mutual understanding.
Effect in the family:
Parents with high EQ teach their children how to understand and express emotions like anger or sadness appropriately.
Benefits in friendship and society:
By increasing EQ, you can build good and deep relationships, which also improves your social life.
Example:
If there is an argument between husband and wife, a person with high EQ will first understand the partner’s point of view, then calmly express his point of view and try to resolve the conflict together.
9. How to increase emotional intelligence – easy steps
You can gradually increase it like this:
Identify: First of all, understand how you feel about a thing.
Learn: Read books on EQ like Emotional Intelligence 2.0 or do an online course.
Practice: Start controlling emotions in everyday life. For example – pause before saying something immediately in a fight.
Think and write: At the end of the day, think – what did I learn today, how did I feel, and what can I do better next time?
Get help: Talk to a senior or mentor who can help you improve.
Some other ways:
Participate in workshops like role-play, where you can practice different emotional situations.
Take up meditation or mindfulness, which will keep the mind calm and increase control over emotions.
10. Why emotional intelligence is very important for the future
Why EQ will be useful in the future:
When AI and machines will do more work, the emotional understanding of humans will become most important.
The World Economic Forum has included EQ as one of the most important skills for the future.
Career help:
People with EQ do not panic during changes, adapt quickly and form a good rapport with others.
Lifelong Benefits:
Whether you are running a business, managing a family, or improving yourself – EQ is a key to a better life.
Conclusion: Emotional Intelligence – The Key to a Better Life
Emotional intelligence is not about being perfect, but about understanding yourself and others. Whether you are changing jobs, managing a team, or just want to improve relationships – EQ is a key. Start improving today – it will lead you not only to success, but also to a balanced, sensible, and happy life.
If you liked this article, please share it and let us know your suggestions so we can continue to improve.