Nowadays, lots of people talk about something called emotional intelligence, especially in workplaces. It’s not just about having smart and talented folks; companies also want people who understand emotions. This becomes super important when dealing with customers, working in teams, being in charge, and leading others. Emotional intelligence is like a superpower for building good relationships.
So, what’s this emotional intelligence really about? It’s not just being smart in the regular way; it’s also about understanding our own feelings, handling them well, and using them to connect with others in a positive way. It’s like being clever about people and knowing yourself.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters?
Well, we’re not just brainy beings; we’re also emotional and social creatures. A big part of how we go through life, how we deal with relationships, and even how we feel about ourselves depends a lot on our emotional intelligence. It’s important because the way our emotions work inside us is different from the logic we use in the outside world, like in math or science.
Sure, being smart in the usual way (I.Q.) is important for understanding things around us. But emotional intelligence (E.Q.) is about understanding yourself and others emotionally. It’s about how well you handle yourself with others, your social skills, and your emotional smarts in getting along with people.
Being the Boss of Your Emotions
Getting good at emotional intelligence means taking control of how you feel. It’s not about feeling like your emotions are running the show; it’s about you being in control. When we manage our emotions well, we can use them for good things, like feeling happy and motivated to live life fully. It also helps us turn on emotions like curiosity and wonder, so we can learn, grow, connect with others, and be our best selves. Even feelings that seem not-so-great can be useful if we know how to use them to make our lives better.
No Emotion is “Bad”
Here’s a key idea: there are no “bad” emotions—just emotions. Each emotion has something to tell us, and some are more helpful in certain situations. Some emotions are meant to be fully felt, especially the good ones that bring joy and happiness. Then there are emotions that are like signals, telling us to pay attention, learn, and let go. Understanding this helps us manage our emotions better, knowing they’re not absolute truths but messages that can sometimes be a bit off.
Conclusion
This understanding of emotional intelligence gives us the power to lead a more balanced and happier life. It’s not just a fancy term; it’s about knowing ourselves and others better, making our relationships stronger, and making sure we feel good about who we are. As we explore and learn more about emotional intelligence, we’re giving ourselves super useful tools to handle the ups and downs of life, grow as people, and enjoy a more fulfilled life.
Curated by Danielle Tan.
Reference:
- [Neurons] 2024 Neurons #1 WHY EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE by L. Michael Hall, Ph.D. Executive Director, ISNS.
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