Introduction

Also known as emotional quotient EQ, it is the adeptness to acknowledge and take control of one’s emotions, as well as identify and influence the emotions around one’s surroundings.

EI is associated with better correlation & understanding of people, transparent decision making and overall success in aspects of life like relationships (work, school & personal) and academics.

The four types of emotional intelligence are self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness and relationship management.

Applications of EI/EQ.

Being that it is an integral part of our personal development and growth, below are areas in which we can apply it in order to ensure a streamlined flow of correlation with our own selves and around us;

• Better decision-making.

When EI is applied, it enables an undecided mind to think before actually reacting to the presented option. It allows both the possibilities of negative and positive reactions to be weighed such that one is in a position of presenting himself with the wh-questions ( what, when, where, who, whom, which, whose, why, how). It enables the separation of pros and cons of a situation enabling one to settle for a decision deemed deserving for the circumstance in question.

• Building trust.

EI allows room for one to showcase his/her active listening and empathy skills. Being that is greatly linked to social awareness, one is forced to show empathy as a foundation for building trust. For instance, getting to a point where you assume the role of being trusted will make you put yourself in the position of the person who has decided to confide in you, enabling you to connect his/her feelings to the affected party.

• Media coverage.

News coverage is undertaken on a day-to-day basis. This implies that information arises every single day and is subject to change and development. Delivering this information calls for a connection with the targeted audience, as it may alter their emotional & social reactions which media outlets have no control over. For this connection to be initiated, one needs to know and effectively use the right body cues when passing the said information, be ready to be neutral,  be open to the cultural differences as we are all from different backgrounds and expect any outcome that may come forth.

• Leadership.

A leader who is well conversant with EQ should have the following qualities; a motivator should have empathy, should have the ability to recognize & solve team members’ problems, should be a listener, should be a decision maker and should be in a position to uphold relationship management policies. These qualities apply in workplaces, institutions and even at home. Once one identifies himself as a leader, he/she ought to be in a position to demonstrate the said qualities. With that, it will demonstrate their effectiveness in their said roles and how positively they impact the lives of the targeted groups. 

Conclusion.

Emotional intelligence can also be applied in conflict mitigation, romantic relationships, career, and customer relations among so many other life aspects. It creates room for one to be in a position of sharing feelings, to say and mean yes or no and to solve situations that may otherwise seem impossible.