If you’ve been reading our blogs for a while now, you’ll know that emotional intelligence is the aspect of intellect that deals with all things related to the person and their emotions. It’s how we relate to people and manage our own and others’ emotions. It’s the way we navigate challenges and solve problems and there are a definite 5 signs of emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence might not be something you’ve thought much about until you’re presented with it, either by experiencing someone who is really lacking in good emotional intelligence or someone who seems to excel in it.
How to Spot Emotionally Intelligent People
If you’ve had experiences of people who are impulsive, inflexible, negative, not able to control how they express themselves positively or have themselves no self-regard, the chances are they have lower emotional intelligence.
On the other hand, you might have experiences of people who are confident in themselves, able to manage stress well, able to communicate effectively and with clarity and naturally people focused. These people likely have a higher emotional intelligence.
5 Signs of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a spectrum, and not everyone will exhibit all of these traits to the same degree. However, if you notice several of these signs in someone, it’s a good indicator that they possess a high level of emotional intelligence, and you don’t even need a tool for these:
1. They Know Themselves Well
Emotional intelligence starts with self-regard. Someone with high EQ knows their value to the world. They are authentic but vulnerable and can understand their own emotions and how these emotions impact the way they live their lives. This makes it easier for them to manage their own emotions.
A great example of someone who practically coined the term vulnerability is the famous researcher and author, Brene Brown.
Dr Brown’s work on vulnerability, shame, and empathy is deeply rooted in her own self-awareness. She openly shares her vulnerabilities and personal experiences to connect with others.
Her Ted Talk has been watched by an astonishing 20 million times, making it one of the most popular ted talks ever! You can watch it here
2. They Have a Genuine Care for Others
They’re not just good at understanding their feelings but yours too. They can step into your shoes, feel your vibes, and offer a shoulder to lean on without passing judgement.
When it comes to an example, the obvious leader in this was Princess Diana. We all remember the footage of Princess Diana visiting AIDS patients, offering her authenticity, warmth, and compassion, and brining much needed attention to the rest of the world at a time when the illness affected so many.
3. They are Great Relationship Builders
Communication is their superpower. They can express themselves clearly and thoughtfully. Plus, they’re like emotion detectives, picking up on your non-verbal cues, and knowing what you’re not saying out loud. They’re assertive, but not aggressive, getting their point across clearly.
There’s no better an example of this type of strength than Nelson Mandela. Mandela was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
He was assertive in advocating for these principles, even when faced with resistance and opposition from powerful forces. But Mandela also had a natural ability to forge and sustain relationships with people from all backgrounds and in doing so, was able to effective influence them too.
4. They are Expert Objective Decision Makers
When chaos reigns, those high in emotional intelligence have the ability to stay cool as cucumbers. They don’t lose their heads under pressure, resist the urge to snap, and think before they leap.
Warren Buffet is the classic example of someone who maintains their cool under pressure and doesn’t make hasty decisions. That’s probably why he’s so wealthy! Even in challenging market conditions, Buffett is calm and composed. He doesn’t let fear or greed influence his decisions, emphasising the importance of emotional control in decision-making.
5. They are Optimistic in the Face of Change
Life throws curveballs at all of us, but EQ experts are resilient. They can take a hit, get back up, and keep going. They’ve got an unshakable self-confidence and determination.
A great example of this is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His journey from WWF wrestler to Hollywood A lister has been anything but easy, navigating personal and professional challenges. Despite the high-pressure and demanding nature of his career, he has maintained a remarkable level of composure and resilience.
So can emotional intelligence be developed?
In a nutshell, yes.
Emotional intelligence is a game-changer in life. Recognising the signs above can help you spot the emotionally intelligent people in your circle.
Developing your own EQ is totally worth it! It can lead to better relationships, smoother communication, and more success in everything you do, from your personal life to your career.
If you would like to learn more about developing your emotional intelligence, visit our website www.thinkeq.com