Enhancing Resilience
Emotional Quotient (EQ) is defined as the set of skills that allow us to perceive, understand and regulate our moods, and use emotional information to improve cognitive resources. The communication between our emotional and rational “brains” is the physical source of our Emotional Quotient.
If we are deficient in some of these skills, we can learn and hone these skills, and enhance our EQ. The process and outcomes of emotional development contain many elements known to reduce workplace stress and the stress of interpersonal relationships, thus promoting stability, continuity, and harmony in our lives.
Emotional Quotient is comprised of six competencies
- Self-Awareness
- Awareness of Others
- Authenticity
- Emotional Reasoning
- Self-Management
- Positive Influence
SELF-AWARENESS is how aware we are of our feelings, and how those feelings impact our interactions with others. Those who are self-aware, are more conscious of how their feelings impact their personal interactions. People who demonstrate self-awareness are said to be present, while less self-aware people tend to be disconnected from their family, friends, and colleagues.
AWARENESS OF OTHERS is how aware we of the feelings of those around us. Those of us who demonstrate awareness of others are more empathetic towards our family, friends, and colleagues. Those who demonstrate less awareness of others tend to be insensitive towards others.
AUTHENTICITY is how openly and effectively we express ourselves, and how well we honor our commitments. The more authentic we become, the more genuine we are when providing feedback to others. On the other hand, the less authentic we are, the more likely people will perceive us as untrustworthy.
EMOTIONAL REASONING is about how we consider our feelings and the feelings of those around us in our decision-making. The more we can consider our feelings and the feelings of those around us, the more expansive we become in our decision-making. If we neglect to consider feelings, we tend to be more limited in our decision-making.
SELF-MANAGEMENT is how we manage our moods and feelings, and how we strive for self-improvement. When we can manage our feelings and moods, we become more resilient when confronted with perceived threats. If we have a harder time managing our feelings and moods when confronted with perceived threats, we become temperamental.
POSITIVE INFLUENCE is our ability to create a positive environment by positively influencing the way others feel through problem solving, feedback, and recognizing and supporting the work of others. If we can demonstrate a positive influence, we empower those around us, which motivates them. If we cannot demonstrate a positive influence, the more indifferent our family, friends, and colleagues become.
The better we demonstrate these competencies, the more resilient we become, and the quicker we can bounce back from stressful events.