The Smartest People Possess These 4 Traits of Emotional Intelligence

Todd Helvig from YourTango shares the four traits of emotional intelligence.

Plus, why it's so important.

We know that general intelligence — referred to as IQ — is fairly consistent throughout life, though studies have found some age-related dips in certain skills as we age.

We typically use IQ scores to identify areas of cognitive strengths and deficits. For example, those with lower scores qualify for additional school services or those with higher scores are designated gifted or talented.

But, in contrast, what is emotional intelligence?

One's EQ (emotional intelligence) can always be developed, polished, and refined. Yes, you'll likely retain what you develop, but EQ is based on skills that (if not practiced) can deteriorate over time.

So, why should you care about emotional intelligence? Individuals who understand and use EQ skills . . .

• Make better life choices
• Have better interpersonal relationships
• Are better parents
• Are more successful at work
• Make exceptional business owners and leaders

Additionally, businesses who make EQ skill development a part of the organisational culture see greater overall productivity, increased sales, increased customer service, and a reduction in turnover.

What exactly is emotional intelligence? EQ is based largely on four principles, and if you have all of them, you are a highly emotionally intelligent person.

1. Self-awareness

You know what creates an emotional response for you. You understand your "gut" feelings, what triggers your emotions, and where your emotions intersect with your own thoughts and behaviour.

For instance, if you feel yourself starting to get anxious, you recognise the feeling as anxiety, determine what's causing it, and use skills and tools to manage and control the anxiety.

2. Self-management

You know what to do to control your emotions and effective ways to use your emotions to guide and direct your behaviour.

For example, anger is a common emotion, and circumstances in life will anger you at times. The key is how you recognise and use your anger in a way that allows you to respond productively versus destructively.

3. Empathy

You understand the emotions of others. By your own experience with 1 and 2, you can infer how others might be feeling in a variety of contexts.

You raise your EQ by learning to place yourself in other's shoes and by being able to relate to situational factors that may lead to emotional responses — and residual thoughts and behaviour.

You've experienced being sprinkled with hundreds of questions in an interview setting. You understand how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours work in that setting. Now, when you're interviewing others, are you able to understand some of their experience?

4. Ability to build relationships

You understand how to help others manage their emotions and how to use your own emotional awareness to navigate, build, and maintain positive relationships.

Think about a person you would like to emulate. For most of us, those people not only understand shared feelings but they use the power of their words and actions to inspire and motivate. They are masters of all four of these principles.

As mentioned, emotional intelligence requires skill development and practice.

You have to make it a priority and focus your intention on emotional intelligence. It also helps to have a mentor or someone who understands the skills, knows how you can build and refine them, and who will give you honest, objective feedback for continued development. Investing in yourself always pays off.

Dr. Todd Helvig is a licenced psychologist and business owner whose interest in writing includes leadership development and advancing emotional intelligence, health, wellness, and recovery.