“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” ~ F. Douglas
In times of craziness and chaos, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can play a critical role in your level of happiness and success. Let me explain…
First let’s start by defining EQ so we are all on the same page.
Webster defines EQ as: the ability to recognize, understand, and deal skillfully with one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.
That said in terms of the world or psychology Emotional Intelligence is a relatively new science and wasn’t formally defined until 1990 by researchers Peter Salovey and John Mayer. However, it is rooted in the early part of 20th century psychology and was magnified by Daniel Goleman in his book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, in 1995.
It is and continues to become a crucial factor in determining a persons success in business and in life.
Survey Says…
A survey of over 2200 hiring managers by Career Builders.com showed that the majority of managers would select a person with high Emotional Intelligence and a moderate IQ level over a candidate with a high IQ and a moderate level of Emotional Intelligence.
They also determined that the High EQ candidate will beat out the High IQ candidate 75% of the time in the selection process.
EQ is a predictor of success and succession
EQ & Childhood
What might be interesting to note here is that EQ can be developed in children at a fairly early age.
A recent article in Psychology Today cited that Emotional intelligence appears to be a key predictor of children’s ability to make suitable peer relationships, get along at home, develop a well-balanced outlook on life, and to reach their academic potential at school.
EQ can be a key predictor of success in children.
EQ & Video Games
Recently there have been a number of lawsuits against Meta (Facebook) arguing that their design of social media is extremely addictive and has a very negative impact on the healthy development of kids, especially under the age of 16. The damage social media has on a child’s healthy emotional development is extremely negative.
When it comes to video games and video game addiction the impact it also quite negative. It has been shown that video games can have a negative impact on the EQ so much so that a 21-years old could have the Emotional Intelligence of a 12-year old because they lack the social skills to interact in face-to-face social situations.
So What’s Your Level of Emotional Intelligence?
There are 100’s of online assessments that vary widely in statistical validity. Some organizations and consultants have created their own while other companies provide statistically valid assessments. So be careful what assessment you utilize. Our organization does provide EQ Assessments if you are interested please feel free to contact us.
The good news is that regardless of what your Emotional Intelligence score is, you can always improve. Unlike other aspects of your self that can be difficult to change, Emotional Intelligence happens to be something you can improve with a little focus and intention.
7 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Emotional Intelligence:
- Journal Daily – Recap your day and identify your experience from an emotional state at various times throughout the day.
- Keep a Log – Identify your emotions and write them in a in a small notepad or enter them in your phone as you go through your day.
- Think Back – Review three past decisions you made when you were feeling strong emotions. Reflect on how your mood influenced the outcomes.
- Pay Attention to Stress Triggers – Pay attention when your emotions are running high or you are shutting down in a situation. Before it goes on for too long, excuse yourself from the situation. Find a place where you can stop and take at least 5 slow deep breaths in through your nose, hold at the top of the inhale for 3-4 seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth (repeat 5 times) and then return to the situation at hand.
- Identify – Identify two early signs of stress or strain and list 2 or 3 responses for each to prepare yourself for future situations.
- Pause Before Speaking – In emotionally tense settings, apply a 10-second pause before speaking to soften tone and support open dialogue. Notice how this behavior impacts others.
- Pay Attention to Your Kids – Pay attention to just how much time your kids spend playing video games and on social media. Reduce the time in increments knowing that you are protecting them and their future. They may dislike you now, but the payoff will be evident years from now.
Conclusion
Managing your emotions is the key to collaborating, relating, leading, selling, coaching, interacting, communicating, parenting, serving others, volunteering, teaching, mentoring, etc.
Get the point?
Your ability to stay centered and calm in what could be an emotionally uncomfortable situation will create more success in your business and your life and after all isn’t that what we all want?
Lastly, as a parent you have a responsibility to protect your children now, so you protect their future!
