This article is about emotional intelligence, a simple way to access it and the optimal way to integrate it into your daily life. It is the second in a series of articles focusing on simplifying communication. You can find the introductory one here.
Developing Emotional Intelligence:
Emotional intelligence is meeting your needs so that you can then effectively contribute to others; an essential skill in leadership and in life. When we have emotional intelligence, communication comes easier to us, at the very least it is not a topic we fear.
Emotional intelligence is the foundation for happiness, because it gives us the key to connecting with others, finding financial success and traversing new and unexpected adventures.
Times of uncertainty are what prompt us to clearly define who we are and what we want; know that discomfort is part of the process, as it leads us to learning or further developing a skill that can help us navigate our way.
A simple way to access Emotional Intelligence:
Some of us learn best by reading books while others need hands-on activities to see the full potential of what we are working with, on or through. Here, we look at a combination of approaches available to us in their most applicable form.
Start by giving it a refresh.
Instead of putting yourself in others shoes, find your own figurative pair and observe.
Here are a few good questions to ask as you are undergoing this process: What are you watching, which brands are you buying and in whom are you investing your attention?
Identify, as a good marketer would, what motivates you:
A good measure for finding out what you value is to look at where your time and money are spent.
Through this exercise you can find things you like about yourself and you may run across bits that you are not quite sure of; all data is welcome. Let this be a brainstorm that leads you to redefining you from an insider, third person perspective.
Next, find what your strengths are followed by your weaknesses.
Find what it is that engages your life energy; with this you can figure out the basis for what you communicate and why you communicate it.
For insight on how today’s best marketers do this, check out Seth Godin’s blog. He provides simple, thought provoking and applicable daily reads, books and educational opportunities.
Personality tests are good here, there are many out there and as an avid user of them, I can tell you that you get what you pay for. Some of the best in the market are used for hiring high-level executives, search under those keywords to find one that meets your needs.
The top tests also tell a person’s blind spots. Significant progress comes from taking action on finding ways to manage these shortcomings.
Using a good test will help you to identify your communication style, optimal way of connecting with others, and careers that are a match.
Looking forward. Applying what you learned.
You may ask yourself, what is it that I need to do to find myself living in this new vision for my life? This new one that is calling me based on my new findings. And, how, can I make the move?
The groundwork is already set. You have completed the intensive part. Only you could genuinely identify your shortcomings in the privacy of your own space, and decide if you want to do something about it.
The most valuable concept I can share with you is to do what you want to do when you want to do it.
Once your decision is made, set your course and remember that progress can be stalled by fears. In fact, that is what often delays us.
With time, dedication and daily application of your insights in small doses you can become who you are. To stay on track seek continuous development and professional feedback.
It sounds brash and unplanned — yet action that generates satisfaction and long-term change is driven by intrinsic motivation backed by conscious knowledge — this is what shapes our lives whether we are aware of it or not. Blocking it only leads to pain and dissatisfaction.
Then, keep searching. Continue to find your place as you grow and be afraid only of what you know, as that is likely already outdated.
Is there something you would add? Are you willing to give it a try? Let us know. Your feedback shapes our work!
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Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com on February 8, 2017.