How Emotional Intelligence can Influence your Productivity

Emotional intelligence refers to someone’s ability to read, feel and respond to emotions, within both himself (or herself) and  others. And, yes, that may seem like a phenomenal quality to have when managing personal relationships; but you’d be surprised to learn how much emotional intelligence can affect your productivity, as well.

Here is how emotional intelligence allows you to get more done every day.

Understanding and controlling emotional responses

When you understand and have the ability to control your own emotional responses; you become less susceptible to mood swings or counterproductive reactions to frustrating situations.

Allowing your anger or panic to get the better of you forces your mind to race; and prevents you from thinking rationally, or focusing on objectives one by one; this wastes time and instantly compromises your productivity.

Stress management and self-care

The workplace can be stressful sometimes. You’ll be facing tough decisions almost every day, and working long hours on a regular basis. Emotionally intelligent people know their own limits; and can recognize when the stress of the job is starting to get the better of them. 

What’s more, they’ll proactively take breaks; whether that means an extra 10 minutes at lunch and prevent themselves from ever becoming fully exhausted. As a result, they’ll get more done in a day and be far less likely to burn out.

Collaborating with others

As you might guess, emotionally intelligent individuals are much better at collaborating with other people; and collaboration is vital in a fast-paced work environment. These people can read the emotions of others easily, recognizing their strengths, weaknesses and reactions for what they are.

They’re also adaptable, since they’re empathetic, and more willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team.

Accepting and incorporating feedback

Emotionally intelligent individuals are able to accept feedback; even if it includes negative or harsh criticism, and understand it without taking it personally.

They’re also able to give feedback to their team members more productively; since they can deliver it with more sensitivity and greater focus on individual needs.

Striking valuable partnerships

Finally, emotional intelligence allows you to create better strategic partnerships and attract better people to your brand. The idea here is that you’ll be able to understand exactly what your prospective partners need or want from you; and be able to communicate more effectively with them once the partnership agreement is drafted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, emotional intelligence is worth honing. If you don’t feel especially empathetic, or if you struggle to acknowledge and control your own emotions, don’t feel defeated. Emotional intelligence may have a genetic component, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of your reach.

By getting in closer touch with your feelings, and working to listen to and understand others; you can gradually gain mastery over your own emotional intelligence.

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Culled from: Entrepreneur.