How can you know if you have high emotional intelligence? Emotional Intelligence – also known as Emotional Quota or EQ for short – is identified by three key commonalities according to Psychology Today. These include the ability to:
- Accurately identify your own emotions, as well as those of others.
- Utilize emotions and apply them to tasks such as thinking and problem-solving.
- Manage emotions, including controlling your own (as well as to cheer up or calm down another person).
These are all great qualities when it comes to the workplace, as people with high Emotional Intelligence can do certain things better than others.
“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence; it is not the triumph of heart over head—it is the unique intersection of both.” – David Caruso
Here Are 13 Qualities of People with High Emotional Intelligence
1. They are human chameleons.
People with high Emotional Intelligence aren’t afraid of change as they understand it is a normal part of life. Instead of clinging to old ways, they adapt to their new environment. They allow themselves to learn and grow.
2. They are self-aware.
People with high Emotional Intelligence aren’t necessarily cocky or over-confident, but they know their strengths and weaknesses and will play to them. Often, they will search out work environments that best suit their personal strengths, which allows them to really thrive.
3. They’re empathetic.
This is the factor that most people think of when they hear the term Emotional Intelligence – and for good reason. People with high Emotional Intelligence levels are excellent at reading their own and others’ emotions. They use this to their advantage in forming relationships as well as garnering a sense of respect and understanding among peers.
4. They’re rarely perfectionists.
People with high Emotional Intelligence are generally less likely to have perfectionist tendencies. Generally, they understand that nothing in life is perfect, so they tend to take on whatever life throws their way and make the best of it.
5. They’re balanced and some of the healthiest people you will meet.
Because Emotional Intelligence means having a higher understanding of emotions and their own self-awareness, High EQ’s often demonstrate a balanced work/life schedule. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and living an overall healthy and active lifestyle.
6. They’re grateful.
High EQ’s see the good in just about everything, and this overly positive outlook on life is due to their ability to find something in their life each day that they are grateful for. It might be small, but it is something good.
7. They don’t get easily distracted.
Despite being highly receptive to other’s emotions, High EQ’s are able to separate themselves from thoughts of distraction to focus on the task at hand.
8. They’re ambitious.
Studies have shown that more and more people with High EQ’s are the go-getter type, often demonstrating themselves as high achievers since childhood. This can be linked to the emotional gratification that they feel when finishing a job well, combined with the boost of joy provided by others’ happiness.
9. They don’t dwell on the past.
People with high Emotional Intelligence don’t have time to dwell on the past as they are too excited for the possibilities ahead. Whilst these possibilities can sometimes scare them or bring anxiety, they are generally more excited than fearful by the options and opportunities ahead.
10. They set boundaries.
This may seem contradictory to the nature of High EQ’s as they tend to be people-pleasers, but they know how to say no to people and still be polite. They can justify saying no as it keeps them from getting overwhelmed by commitments. This protects those with high Emotional Intelligence from burning out, and therefore allows them to be able to help others.
11. They are great at managing their emotions.
Due to their exceptional understanding of emotions and their level of self-awareness, High EQ’s are proficient at managing and controlling their emotions. An example is that in a stressful situation, they are able to remain (or at least appear) calm. They effectively redirect the stress, anger, or frustration they may be feeling at the time to productive activity, aiming their focus at situations and events rather than people. They are the least likely person to snap and yell at you in a moment of panic.
12. They are creative thinkers.
While someone with high Emotional Intelligence might not necessarily work in a particularly creative field, they will often have a creative outlook or be the “out-of-the-box thinker” of the office. This is linked back to their overall awareness of others’ emotions and their never-ending curiosity for life and the people in it. This allows them to see all of the other possible solutions available. In turn, this makes them a huge business asset.
13. They are hard to offend.
This is probably my favorite characteristic of people with high Emotional Intelligence. They are some of the most easygoing people you will meet. You can’t easily offend them because they have a firm grasp on who they are as a person. For this reason, they are unlikely to be swayed by someone else’s opinion if it contradicts with their sense of self-worth. They know who they are and they don’t care about other opinions.
Final thoughts
Overall, Emotionally Intelligent people are some the kindest, most easygoing, respectful, and understanding people you will meet. While some people naturally have this positive outlook on life, you can acquire these skills and traits. By slowing down a bit every day to stop and think about how your actions are impacting others, you can raise your Emotional Intelligence by being more empathetic and understanding. It only takes a second to be kind, and the benefits far outweigh the cost.
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