Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and effectively express one’s own feelings as well as interact successfully with others. Having high emotional intelligence is an indicator of successful relationships both in and out of the workplace. Emotional intelligence can greatly change overa lifetime and can even be improved by focusing on the following constructs:
- Reduce Negative Personalization: Remember that people do what they do because of them, not you.
Stay Cool and Manage Stress: Studies show that reducing your body temperature can reduce anxiety and minimize stress.
Be Assertive and Express Difficult Emotions: Set boundaries and don't be afraid to tell someone they've crossed the line.
Stay Proactive: Avoid being reactive with faced with a difficult person or situation - Pause, count to ten and reorient your thinking.
Bounce Back After Adversity: Don't give up and don't be discouraged.
Ask Others for Perspective: Stop and listen to what other people have to say about certain situations.
Understand Feelings May Change Over the Course of an Event: Think about how your feelings differ from the time you started the project to the time you ended it.
Identify the Emotions of Yourself and Others: Take stock of how you are feeling throughout the day and the cause of those emotions. Try and do the same for those around you.
Practice: Emotional intelligence isn't developed passively, it's cultivated.
Increasing your emotional intelligence will help you become a better volunteer and a better you!