What is emotional intelligence?

A question that, although it seems simple, contains a fascinating complexity. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions, as well as to identify and empathize with the emotions of others. This concept, popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman in 1995, has revolutionized the way we understand human relationships and personal and professional success.

My personal journey towards emotional intelligence

Let me introduce myself: I am Rubén Águila, and throughout my life I have had the opportunity to face situations that have led me to understand the importance of emotional intelligence. From a young age, I realized that success did not depend solely on technical skills or IQ, but also on how we handle our emotions and interactions with others.

I remember an occasion when, after receiving criticism at work, my initial reaction was angry and defensive. However, upon reflection, I realized that this emotion was preventing me from learning and growing. It was then that I decided to delve into the world of emotional intelligence and develop skills that would allow me to better manage my emotional responses.

The Pillars of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is underpinned by several key components:

• Self-Awareness: This is the ability to recognize and understand our own emotions and how they affect our thoughts and behaviors. It involves being aware of our strengths and weaknesses, and having a realistic self-assessment.
• Self-regulation: Once we are aware of our emotions, the next step is to learn how to control and manage them appropriately. This allows us to think before we act and handle stressful situations calmly and rationally.
• Motivation: This refers to the passion to work for reasons beyond money or status. People with high emotional intelligence are motivated by a deep desire to meet their own standards of excellence.
• Empathy: This is the ability to understand the emotions of others. It allows us to put ourselves in the other person's shoes and respond appropriately to their emotional reactions.
• Social Skills: These refer to the ability to manage relationships effectively, build social networks and navigate the political complexities of an organization. They include skills such as effective communication, leadership and the ability to work in teams.

Emotional Intelligence in Action

Throughout my career, I have observed how emotional intelligence can make the difference between success and failure. In one instance, I led a team where conflicts arose due to a lack of communication and understanding among members. By applying emotional intelligence principles, such as empathy and active listening, we were able to resolve differences and improve collaboration, which resulted in a significant increase in productivity.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

The good news is that emotional intelligence is not an innate quality; it can be developed and strengthened with practice and dedication. Here are some strategies that I have found useful in my journey:

Practice self-awareness: Take time to reflect on your emotions and how they influence your actions. Keeping an emotional journal can be a useful tool for this purpose.

Improve your self-regulation: Learn stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, that help you stay calm in difficult situations.

Foster empathy: Strive to understand the perspectives of others. Listen actively and show genuine interest in their experiences and feelings.

Develop your social skills: Work on your communication skills, learn to resolve conflicts constructively and look for opportunities to collaborate with others.

Emotional intelligence in the work environment

In the professional world, emotional intelligence is a highly valued competency. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are able to inspire and motivate their teams, manage stress effectively, and make informed decisions that consider both objective data and human dynamics.

For example, at one company where I worked, we implemented emotional intelligence training programs for employees. The results were amazing: the work environment improved, customer satisfaction increased, and talent retention increased.

Conclusion

Emotional intelligence is an essential skill in our personal and professional lives. It enables us to navigate the complexities of human relationships, make better decisions and live a fuller, more satisfying life. By investing time and effort in developing our emotional intelligence, we not only improve our own quality of life, but we also positively impact those around us.