In a world where IQ (Intelligence Quotient) often takes center stage, EQ (Emotional Quotient), or emotional intelligence, has gradually become recognized for its crucial role in shaping our relationships, work, and overall well-being. Emotional intelligence is not just about recognizing your own emotions, but also understanding others’ feelings and harnessing this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships effectively.
Emotional intelligence can be divided into four broad domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. People who exhibit high emotional intelligence are usually better at navigating social complexities, resolving conflicts, leading, and inspiring others. They are generally more empathetic, enabling them to connect with others on a deeper level, creating strong and positive relationships.
In the workplace, individuals with high emotional intelligence can contribute significantly to creating a cooperative and productive environment. They tend to have excellent leadership skills, as they can understand and manage not just their emotions, but also those of their team members.
But emotional intelligence is not just crucial in professional scenarios. It also plays a significant role in personal relationships. High emotional intelligence allows you to understand and relate to those close to you better, fostering stronger and more satisfying relationships.
It’s important to note that unlike IQ, which is relatively static throughout your life, EQ can be developed and improved upon. That’s why understanding the signs of high and low emotional intelligence, as explored in this article, can serve as a roadmap toward personal growth and better social interactions.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 signs of high EQ.
Indicators of high emotional intelligence
1. You maintain respect and patience even for those you’re most familiar with and comfortable with.
2. In the heat of an argument with someone you care about, you refrain from uttering hurtful words that could cause them to break down.
3. When you’re feeling your worst, you still take care of your basic needs — eating on time, dressing appropriately, and loving yourself.
4. Regardless of how close you are to someone, you refrain from bluntly pointing out their faults, especially in the presence of others.
5. You’re aware of your role and behave appropriately, refraining from inappropriate jokes and remarks.
6. When a breakup is inevitable, you bid farewell calmly and refrain from further contact.
7. You maintain control of the situation, plan for the future, show tolerance toward others, and exercise self-restraint.
8. When contradicting or correcting others, you affirm first, then correct; you use fewer negative terms like “no,” making it easier for others to accept.
9. Your conversations make others feel comfortable; you listen attentively and avoid being self-centered.
10. You understand that nothing is taken for granted; all relationships — friendship, love, family — require intentional cultivation and maintenance.
Signs of low emotional intelligence
Conversely, certain actions reveal a deficit in emotional intelligence. Recognizing these can aid you in avoiding inappropriate behavior and heightening your responsiveness to social cues. Now, let’s take a look at what they are.
1. Your consciousness is dominated by negative emotions.
2. You focus solely on expressing your own views and fail to perceive the attitudes of others.
3. You always want to outdo others verbally.
4. You dislike putting yourself in others’ shoes and do not care about their feelings.
5. You attempt to elevate yourself by belittling others.
6. You reserve your best temperament for strangers and your worst patience for loved ones.
7. You take pleasure in pinpointing others’ weaknesses.
8. You care excessively about others’ opinions of you.
9. You tend to dictate how others should live their lives.
10. You frequently misinterpret others’ intentions.
To summarize, life requires a sense of measure in both words and deeds. Maintaining a balance is the hallmark of high emotional intelligence.
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. If you’re always focused on others’ shortcomings, exposing their wounds, or poking at their sensitive spots, you’ll naturally struggle with interpersonal relationships.
Translated by Patty Zhang
