Signs That You Lack Emotional Intelligence
And four ways to improve it.
December 31, 2014
Summary.
Often, emotional intelligence is the key differentiator between a star performer and the rest of the pack, yet many never embrace the skill for themselves. Do you think being liked at work is overrated? Are you surprised when others are offended by your comments, and do you feel like they’re overreacting? You might be lacking in emotional intelligence, but there are strategies to help you improve. A critical component of emotional intelligence is self-awareness, so get feedback to help you understand what your problematic behaviors are. Before you say something, think about how your words are going to impact others, and consider if that’s how you want them to feel. Regardless of your intended meaning, people may hear something else in what you say. The next step is making conscious choices about how you respond to situations, rather than having a knee-jerk reaction. Finally, “wear both shoes”: consider another person’s perspective on a situation while acknowledging your own feelings.