After taking the one of the Emotional Intelligence tests, my lack of belief in myself is further confirmed. Personally, I have known that I am not 100% confident in what I do. While taking the test, I was surprise to realize that tests like these were difficult to answer. I could have answered the test questions in the way the answers should be but that would be cheating me. I wanted to truthfully answer each questions but it was hard to determine which is the true answer which just means that I don’t know exactly how I would have behave or how I tackle each situation presented. However, I did answer the questions to the most probable behavior I would have done when faced with such situations.
The results came out saying that I have an average emotional IQ, which is interpreted as being able to deal reasonably with my emotions but is unable to take full advantage of my potentials because of my being unconfident which could be improved by learning and practicing new and effective skills in dealing with people. The ultimate benefit of which is to be able to overcome my shyness and become a happier person thereby releasing some stress.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is very important in people’s daily lives. It plays a big role in one’s outcome as a person may it be with regards to our careers, the family and their relationships with others. EI is the set of skills that people have which is behind the truthful assessment, evaluation, expression and regulation of emotions. It is the reason behind a person’s ability to get along with others and provides an understanding of what people are feeling and experiencing which in turn enable us to respond appropriately to the needs of others. It is the source of empathy for others, self-awareness, and social skills.
EI is one explanation why people who does not possess high marks in traditional intelligence tests are able to become more successful despite having low traditional test scores compared to those people who have higher scores. This is because they may have high EI that enable them to adjust to other’s feelings making them responsive to their needs. Working is involves dealing with other people so a person must have “people skills”. For example, nerds may be good at dealing with computers but not at dealing with people. Since teamwork is important to most companies, they would not be hiring people with this kind of attitude because they would not be able to communicate with well with their teammates.
Two major EI models are the ability and trait EI models. Ability model acknowledges the fact that people have distinct ways of dealing with specific emotional based situations which can be visible when a person faces adaptive situations. Trait model on the other hand, deals with the perceptions of people with the existing abilities they have. (Exforsys, Inc, 2009)
Several psychologists have determined ways to enhance one’s emotional intelligence. One way of enhancing EI is to make an observation of what people do and start trying to put yourself in the situation they are in and try to think of how you’ll handle the situation. Another way is to make a self-assessment by determining your strengths and your weaknesses, then accept the fact that you are not perfect. However, try to find ways to make your weaknesses support your strengths to make you a better person. (Mindtools.com)
References:
Exforsys, Inc. (6 May 2009). What is Emotional Intelligence?. Retrieved on April 1, 2012 at http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/ei/emotional-intelligence.html
MindTools.com (2012). Emotional Intelligence” Developing strong "people skills". Retrieved on April 1, 2012 at http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_59.htm
