Emotional intelligence (also known as emotional quotient or EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome life challenges and deal with conflict effectively. It is a skill that can be used in every area of your life.
Your EQ helps you build stronger relationships, succeed at school and work, and achieve your career and personal goals. It can also help you to connect with your feelings, turn your desires into taking action to achieve your goals and help you understand what matters most to you in your life.
Four Main EQ Attributes
- Self-management – You can control impulsive feelings and behaviours, healthily manage your emotions, take the initiative, be disciplined, follow through on your commitments, and adapt to change.
- Self-awareness – You understand your emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviour. You know your strengths and weaknesses and have self-confidence.
- Social awareness – You have empathy for others and can pick up on clues as to how people are feeling and act accordingly. You feel comfortable in social situations and are able to recognise group dynamics and how to fit into them.
- Relationship management – You can clearly communicate your feelings and know how to develop and maintain healthy relationships. You can inspire others and help them in a group environment and you are able to manage conflict. You know how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict.
Five Dominant Traits Quiz
Take this quick quiz not to find out what your five dominant emotional intelligence traits are and see if we got it right for you.
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