There are some simple steps you can take to develop or improve your emotional intelligence:
Really observe how you react to others. Be honest about how you think and interact with work colleagues. Do you need to take some time before you respond?
Instil confidence. Demonstrate that you are responsible for your own actions and do not openly blame others
Be humble, rather than always seeking approval
Praise and develop others
When faced with stressful or pressurised situations, reserve judgment, remain calm and do not allocate blame to others
Be flexible in your behaviours and accept feedback positively
Focus on the team rather than yourself
Be patient with others and recognise that everyone has the ability to perform
Avoid stereotyping people
Disrupt personal mindsets; challenge your own beliefs, attitudes and assumptions
Reflect on daily events and consider what learnings you can take to improve your performance.
Jack Canfield, author of The Success Principles and co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, claims that most people blame outside forces for what happens to them. His principles for success can be summarised as:
Take 100 per cent responsibility for your life and the results you get
Decide what you really want
Make sure you set your goals
Visualise what you want as an outcome every day to help you achieve what you want in life
Commit to constant improvement
Take action
Take risks and respond to feedback
Practise perseverance
Learn more to earn more
Redefine your time – when are you most successful – and do your best work then.
Core to these principles is the ability to recognise and build upon your own personal strengths. This will allow you to capitalise on opportunities you come across along the way.
So, do you have a personal brand? Are you self-aware? If not, take some time to create your portfolio of strengths and identify how you will promote these to their fullest to achieve the rewarding career you really want.
Practice point
Take five to 10 minutes to assess yourself against the emotional intelligence competencies in the Table 1. Are there competencies that you might need to gain greater strength in? Write them down.
