Embracing Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Success in the Workplace
I still vividly remember the day I broke down in tears in the office bathroom, feeling mortified and defeated. It was my first big job out of college, and I had only made it a few months before hitting rock bottom. I had failed to communicate effectively as an art director, leading to a significant error and missing a crucial deadline. The root cause of the problem was my fear of asking questions, fearing I’d appear dumb, young, and indecisive.
The Power of Self-Awareness
Looking back, I realize that my lack of emotional intelligence (EQ) was the primary culprit. EQ is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions and those of others. It’s comprised of four key pillars: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. If I had possessed the self-awareness I do today, I’m confident the situation would have unfolded differently.
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence at Work
Mariah Deleon, Vice President of People at Glassdoor, emphasizes the value of EQ in her article on Entrepreneur. Workers with high EQ excel in teams, adapt to change, and are more flexible. Regardless of one’s qualifications, lacking emotional intelligence can hinder success. EQ not only benefits individuals but also makes them better employees and hires for company culture.
Building Emotional Resilience
One of my biggest challenges is forming my own thoughts and opinions without being swayed by others. I’ve learned that building emotional resilience requires genuine introspection and questioning my own character. It’s essential to take control of my work, work-life balance, and integrity by honing my EQ skills.
Developing Emotional Intelligence
While some people may naturally have higher EQ, it’s not impossible to develop. There are numerous resources available to help identify and improve your EQ. Communicating frequently and being vocal are two crucial aspects of doing good work. By embracing my shortcomings and accepting them, I’ve been able to move forward productively.
Letting Go of Expectations
I’m slowly learning to accept who I am, rather than striving to be the perfect adult I thought I should be. By sharpening my EQ skills, I can better navigate adversity and thrive in the ever-changing workplace.
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