At school we learn to calculate, write, analyze. But how to deal with feelings - your own and that of the others is rarely taught. This is exactly a decisive ability for successful relationships, professional success and mental health.
We are talking about emotional intelligence - also known as EQ or egg. While the classic IQ (intelligence quotient) is often overrated, it is becoming increasingly clear: Those who have a high emotional competence have the better cards in the long term.
What is emotional intelligence?
The term "emotional intelligence" was shaped in the 1990s by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer.
Later, Daniel Goleman made him known worldwide with his book "EQ - emotional intelligence". According to Goleman, emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize their own and foreign emotions, to understand and to deal with it.
EQ includes, among other things:
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Self -perception
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Self -regulation
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empathy
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motivation
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Social competence
This means that emotional intelligence is not a "soft topic", but a real competence - a soft skill that is becoming increasingly important.
EQ vs. IQ - heart or mind?
Intelligence is often equated with logic, factual knowledge or faster comprehension. But in contrast to the IQ, which is often innate, the EQ can be trained. And this is exactly where the chance is.
Because what does a brilliant mind bring us when we become loud in conflicts, do not recognize feelings or make decisions?
Emotional intelligence is the bridge between the heart and brain - it combines thinking with feelings, logic with intuition.
Why emotional intelligence is so important
More and more studies show that people with a high EQ are more successful - professionally and private. They make better decisions, remain calmer in difficult situations, lead more stable relationships and often have more positive.
A few advantages at a glance:
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Better communication
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Higher conflict ability
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Reduced stressful experience
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Increased creativity
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Less danger to mental disorders
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More understanding for yourself and others
Especially in today's working world, in which teamwork, emotional stress and constant change are the order of the day, the EQ becomes a decisive sub -area of professional competence.
Emotional intelligence at work
In the modern world of work, not only counts what you can do - but also how you deal with people. Managers with high emotional competence motivate better, make clearer decisions and solve conflicts more constructively.
Especially when dealing with employees, it shows how important it is to perceive feelings, act empathically and still remain professional. People don't leave - they leave bad bosses.
EQ emotional intelligence is actively promoted in many companies today - through training, coaching or reflection formats. Some companies even rely on the emotional competence of questionnaires to recognize development potential.
Emotional intelligence in everyday life
The EQ also shows itself in private life:
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How do you deal with your own emotions?
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Can you check your expression without denying yourself?
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How do you deal with the anger of your child, your friend's withdrawal, your partner's impatience?
A high EQ helps to better classify thoughts, feelings and behavior. Instead of reacting impulsively, a moment of choice arises - a room for conscious action.
Can you learn emotional intelligence?
Yes. And that's the good news. Emotional intelligence is not a congenital gift - it is a ability to grow with mindfulness, practice and reflection.
Here are a few tips for strengthening your EQ:
1. Learn to name feelings
Many people know only three terms for their inner condition: good, bad, tired.
But the language of feelings is much more differentiated. Attempts in everyday situations to name exactly what you feel: anger? Frustration? Shame? Disappointment? That is the first step.
2. Break instead of reaction
If something triggers you, hold 5-10 seconds. Breathe consciously. Ask yourself: what exactly do I feel? What do I really need right now? This short break often makes the difference - and strengthens your self -regulation.
3. Meditation
Studies show that regular meditation not only reduces stress, but also strengthens the ability to perceive and empathy. Already 10 minutes a day are enough to make changes in the brain in the long term.
4. Obtain feedback
Ask other people regularly for honest feedback: How do you experience me in conflict situations? What would you like to wish for? The view from the outside is often more valuable than any magazine or theory.
EQ at school: Why we should start early
Imagine that children would not only calculate at school, but also learn how to recognize, express and regulate emotions. How to listen carefully, solve conflicts peacefully and develop compassion.
Programs for emotional intelligence show in schools: Children with a high EQ are balanced, more team -compatible, less aggressive - and often even more powerful.
Because also in education applies: the EQ influences how we learn how to deal with pressure and how we move around the world.
Test: What about your emotional intelligence?
Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself:
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Can I clearly name my feelings?
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Do I react impulsively or deliberately?
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Do I feel with others, even if I disagree?
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Can I accept criticism without feeling personally attacked?
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Do I also remain respectful under pressure?
If you answered several questions with "No" here - don't worry. The EQ grows with your willingness to look and learn.
The influence of EQ on health
People with high emotional intelligence experience less stress, sleep better and less often report psychosomatic complaints.
Why? Because they perceive early warning signs, distinguish themselves better and maintain a healthier handling of internal tensions.
So EQ not only protects your relationships, but also your health.
Emotional intelligence vs. "Trottel-Moment"
A small, humorous insertion: Who does not know him - the moment when you emotionally over -reacted, freak out or send a message that you regret immediately.
The inner "fool" takes over. That is also part of being human.
But with growing emotional intelligence, you will learn to watch these impulses without following them. You will act more - instead of reacting.
Closing word: emotions are not a weakness - they are intelligence
In a world in which performance, data and pace dominate, emotional intelligence is like an inner compass. It reminds us that we are not machines - but feelings, thinking, breathing people.
She gives us a connection. Understanding. And in many cases: real healing.
Bonus: Your personal way to more EQ
If you think now: "It sounds good - but where do I start?" - Then I would like to recommend my workbook to you.
It contains:
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Reflection issues
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Mini exercises for emotional perception
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Mindfulness impulses
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Space for your experiences
You only need 10 minutes a day - but the effect will be noticeable. For you. And for everyone who meets you.
Simply follow your email address on my website-and start your way to more emotional intelligence.
Category: min, work, use, university, concept, psychology, impression, people, psychol, habits, discussion, aspect
