Summary

The website content provides insights into emotional intelligence through five introspective questions aimed at enhancing personal and professional development.

Abstract

The article "5 Questions to Help You Increase Your Emotional Intelligence" emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in personal growth and career success. It suggests that EI can be developed by asking oneself questions that foster empathy, self-awareness, social skills, motivation, and self-management. The author, who has written a book on the subject, encourages readers to reach out to their network with empathy, dedicate time to personal development, build connections through social skills, identify motivators, and manage emotions effectively. The article posits that these practices lead to a fulfilling life and career, aligning with values of personal care, connection, and continuous improvement.

Opinions

The author believes that emotional intelligence is a key factor in achieving success and fulfillment in life and work.
Genuine expressions of care and empathy are seen as foundational to building strong relationships.
Personal development, including activities like reading and mindfulness, is considered essential for growth.
Social skills are highlighted as crucial for creating connections and providing value to others.
Motivation should be intrinsic, driven by passion and purpose, and defined by personal success criteria.
Effective self-management involves harnessing both negative and positive emotions for personal advancement.
The author offers a free coaching conversation and invites readers to join a newsletter for more content on emotional intelligence and productivity.

5 Questions to Help You Increase Your Emotional Intelligence

Simple, straightforward and practical questions for thought.

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator on Unsplash

During my final year of graduate school, a good friend told me words that have always stuck with me:

“You have a very high emotional intelligence.”

What he went on to explain was how much he appreciated my inquiries into his well being, as well as our classmates. He admired my desire to want to do big, life-changing work and that I always kept my purpose front and center. It’s a big part of who I am, and so it really meant a lot to me.

When’s the last time someone gave you a compliment that really stuck with you? Did it help to move you in the direction of achieving what you wanted most? I always knew I wanted to be an author and coach that helped people become the best version of themselves. The more I dove into emotional intelligence, the more I realized this was the vehicle that would help me get there.

I’ve now written two books, including one on emotional intelligence that is helping people around the globe.

Whatever your chosen career path or pursuit, I have every confidence that emotional intelligence will help you create opportunities, build relationships and make smarter decisions. If you’re just starting out, have an established business, or want to refine your executive talents, emotional intelligence is the skill set that will have the greatest influence on your success.

Inquisitive, self-work begins with introspection. It comes from asking questions that challenge us and dare us to move toward progress. I’ve put together five questions that will help you increase your emotional intelligence and get you moving toward a life and career of fulfillment and success. Enjoy!

1. Empathy

Who have I reached out to in my personal and professional network to say, “I care about you — I want to know how you’re doing?”

The act of genuinely showing someone you care is pure empathy. Someone you know may need someone to speak with now. To talk to. Just someone that can hear them out if they’re struggling due to job loss, personal difficulty or pain. You never know who could benefit from having you in their life. All it takes is you reaching out and showing you care.

This is how you build relationships. It’s how you live a life in alignment with The Golden Rule and the types of values and principles that are a reflection of positive character.

2. Self-Awareness

Am I using time during my day and week to dedicate to my own personal development?

Things like reading, improving skills and listening to your inner voice will all lead to personal growth. Choose your time wisely. Think about areas that you want to improve. Think about your strengths and what you do well. Develop a mindfulness and meditation practice to work on your own self-care.

Be aware of what motivates you, what de-motivates you and determine goals that are going to help you grow into the person you want to be.

3. Social Skill

What relationships have I sought out in an effort to build connection?

Similar to empathy, but different in that you can offer knowledge, expertise and value to someone seeking it. Maybe you’re looking to make someone laugh, maybe you’re helping to connect them to a colleague or friend that can help them. Maybe it’s simply working with a client in a coaching or consulting relationship where you’re growing their skills and helping them achieve their goals.

Find connection. We’re social creatures who crave connecting, learning and inspiring one another.

4. Motivation

What things are helping me each day to build confidence, consistency and passion toward what I’m looking to accomplish?

Determine the motivating factors in your life that will empower your mind, body and spirit to do beautiful work. Set goals. Work hard to reach them and always find self-motivation in the form of passion, purpose and defining success for yourself. Do it for yourself. Do it for your loved ones. Do it because reaching the pinnacle of self-actualization is what you want for yourself.

Find the things that help inspire and motivate you each day.

5. Self-Management

How am I managing my emotions (both negative and positive) to help me navigate each day?

Self-Awareness is critical, but self-management is where you go for the win. This is the step beyond just recognizing the way emotions can influence your behavior. It’s about how you manage those emotions both privately and personally. You can use both negative and positive emotions to your advantage in your life and career.

An example of that is using joy to celebrate special moments with your spouse or partner. You can use disappointment and anger as motivation to fuel your next business venture. Don’t let grief sink you — learn from this emotion and experience to become stronger. Take a step outside — admire nature and use the awe of that reflection to imbue the colorful thoughts of your imagination.

Growth is born from asking ourselves the right questions. Use emotional intelligence to guide you — ask these questions and learn more about yourself, and the person you want to become in the process.

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