Communicating Effectively: Being Emotionally Intelligent
Emotional Intelligence is the measure of an individual’s abilities to recognise and manage their emotions, and the emotions of other people, both individually and in groups. Benefits of higher emotional intelligence include people being more easily able to form and maintain interpersonal relationships, to ‘fit in’ to group situations, and to be in communication. People with higher emotional intelligence are also better at understanding their own psychological state, which can include managing stress effectively and being less likely to suffer from depression.
Daniel Goleman defines impactful communication as an effective give and take. It is an exchange between two or more people who are equally able to contribute to the conversation. Effective communication points to our ability to clearly state what we want, to communicate our needs, motivations, and opinions. It also includes the ability to listen attentively and use empathy to understand what the other person has to say. Effective communication is also about coming to a compromise where both parties feel accepted, included, and heard.
One important competency of emotional intelligence is self-control. And this is important because it lets us manage and control our emotions before, during and after a conversation. Our ability to stay in communication rather than have it breakdown and fail is connected to our self-control. Being responsive in the conversation allows for communication to continue to flow. Being reactive in the conversation often stops communication or may cause ineffective communication.
Elements of Emotional Intelligence: Personal Competencies
Self-awareness
Emotional awareness
Accurate self-assessment
Self-confidence
Self-regulation
Self-control
Trustworthiness
Conscientiousness
Adaptability
Innovation
Motivation
Achievement drive
Commitment
Initiative
Optimism
Elements of Emotional Intelligence: Social Competencies
Empathy
Understanding others
Developing others
Service orientation
Leveraging diversity
Political awareness
Social Skills
Influence
Communication
Conflict management
Leadership
Change catalyst
Building bonds
Collaboration and cooperation
Team capabilities
Our customized programs include small group coaching and training on communicating effectively. Contact us to create what will work for you and your team!
