What is Emotional Intelligence, and Why Does it Matter?
Written by Life & Business Coach on June 4, 2022
We all have that one friend we know we can’t do without. Every time we speak with them, it’s that person who makes us feel better—that friend who can make friends without effort. And can calm uncomfortable situations with little difficulty.
Have you ever wondered how they do this? You may have noticed this and attributed it to your friend being a “people person.” It must be why everyone likes this person, you may think.
But what if it is known that this “people person” is this way because he has certain traits? Yet, you, too, can get these traits as well. Would this be something you’d like to learn? Would you like to be a people person, too?
If yes, it might interest you to know that your friend is a “people person” because of EQ, Emotional Quotient, or, in a simpler term, Emotional intelligence.
You might wonder, what is emotional intelligence? Let’s see what we can find out.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence, or EI, was a concept coined in the mid-nineteen-nineties. Yet it gained popularity in 1995 in the best-seller written by Daniel Goleman.
He defined EI as the set of skills and traits that guide leadership. We will use this other definition to make it more relatable to us. Emotional intelligence is the ability to use, comprehend, and manage emotions. Whose emotions? Yours and that of others.
People who have a high level of emotional intelligence are particularly good at some things. Emotional awareness, for example, is one of them. Those with high EI can easily recognize their own and other people’s emotions.
They can also use such feelings to help themselves solve problems and think more clearly. They can also control their emotions when necessary and assist others in doing the same.
According to researchers, the following components make up emotional intelligence:
1. Self-management. This refers to the ability to regulate your emotions healthily. It also includes being able to take the initiative, as well as following through on commitments and changing your behavior to suit changing situations.
2. Self-awareness. When you’re aware of your feelings and their influence on your thoughts and actions, you know your strengths and flaws and have self-confidence.
3. Social awareness. Social awareness involves being empathetic. When you have social awareness, you can perceive other people’s feelings, requirements, and concerns.
Social awareness enables you to feel comfortable in a social situation.
As a result, you will also recognize the balance of power in groups you associate with.
4. Management of relationships. This is the ability to understand how to build and maintain positive relationships. It also helps you communicate well and inspire and influence others. Managing relationships will help you to collaborate with others and resolve disputes with success.
When someone possesses these characteristics, we can call them emotionally intelligent. Knowing what makes up emotional intelligence is excellent, but why should it matter to you?
Impact of Emotional Intelligence
1. Your academic or work performance. High EI can assist you in steering through social difficulties at school or at your job. Those with high EI succeed at leading and encouraging others, bringing them success, whether on the job, at home, or at school.
2. Your physical well-being. If you can’t manage your emotions, you can’t control your stress. It can cause extensive health issues. For example, uncontrolled stress raises blood pressure.
It also raises the risk of strokes and heart attacks. And it can even speed up aging. Developing emotional intelligence helps maintain good physical health, preventing all these.
3. Your relationships. Your relationships are essential. You will communicate better if you develop emotional intelligence. Also, when you know how others are feeling and can respond appropriately, you will form stronger bonds at home, at work, and at school.
Beyond making you a people person, EI is vital for success in life. It will open up new doors and allow you to connect with others. In the end, you’ll feel happy and satisfied because of having this beneficial attribute.
