How to Improve Your Emotional intelligence, Part 2

WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU
A 4-PART SERIES BY ROS CARDINAL
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE
THE FOUR SKILLS OF
In this installment of our 4-part series, we're discussing
the second skill in the Mayer & Salovey model for
emotional intelligence: the ability to use emotions to
your benefit.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
Using emotions is the ability to understand the
impact of emotions on thinking. Research has shown
that our moods impact our tasks.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
For example, a positive mood facilitates creative thinking
or brainstorming. We generate new ideas and consider
new possibilities. Tasks that require attention to detail, on
the other hand, are best performed whilst in a neutral or
slightly negative mood. In these moods, we have a clearer
focus and examine details more efficiently.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
Meanwhile, a shift in mood can lead to innovative
solutions. Think about people who get their best
ideas while exercising or in the shower.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
Understanding how to use your emotions is
important for two reasons.
First, being aware of your emotions will allow you to
shift them as need be, thereby making you more
productive.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
For example: you're in a neutral mood but have a big
project to work on. Knowing that a positive mood
facilitates creative thinking, you might elect to elevate
your emotions by exercising before you begin
brainstorming. This is using your emotions to your
benefit.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
Using your emotions is also important for another
reason: it allows you to be better aware of the moods
of those around you. This becomes especially
imperative in the workplace.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
For example, an emotionally intelligent employee
plans to ask their boss for a raise today. However,
they recognise their boss is in a negative mood and
instead decide to wait for a day when that mood has
elevated. Again: using emotions to your benefit.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
Below, you'll find simple strategies you can begin
implementing immediately in order to better develop
this second skill in the Mayer & Salovey model.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
"RECOGNISE"
How good are you at reading others' moods just by looking at
their face? Become a student of facial expression (there are
quizzes available online for this). As you master this skill, you'll
become more compassionate and empathetic. You'll also know
when to shift emotions to accommodate unplanned-for moods.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
"JOURNAL"
Equally important: learn to be better aware of your own
emotions. Maintaining a 'mood journal' is great for this. How do
your emotions change throughout the day? Which emotions
work best with which tasks? What are the outcomes? Do certain
emotions help, hinder, or have no effect at all?

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
"SHIFT"
Learn how to easily and effectively shift moods. Exercising, for
instance, can quickly elevate any mood. Music and even colour
can also facilitate mood shifts. Find what works best for you, and
you'll be more productive when you need to quickly shift into a
certain mood.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
"WORDS"
Words are extremely powerful tools. Research shows that simply
saying "I am happy" to yourself creates a subtle shift in mood.
Learn how to use words to additionally create shifts in the moods
of others--a particularly useful skill in times of conflict resolution
in the workplace.

USING
EMOTIONS
SKILL #2
When you’re better able to use your emotions, you’ll become
more productive with your tasks. You'll also be able to
strategize when interacting with others, positioning you to
reap benefits more often than not.

EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR
In the next installment of this 4-part series, we'll discuss
strategies for skill #3: understanding emotions so that you can
understand how people feel and make accurate predictions
about how they'll react to situations.

EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR
We hope you enjoyed this presentation!
Visit www.shapingchange.com.au for more resources on
leadership development, change management, emotional
intelligence, and more!

How to Improve Your Emotional intelligence, Part 2

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