4 traits of an emotionally intelligent person

The Oxford Dictionary defines Emotional Intelligence (EI) as “the capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically”.

That said, renowned writer Daniel Goleman describes emotional intelligence as the number one reason for professional success. According to him, Emotional Intelligence is even more important than IQ in some instances. “If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can’t have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far,” he once said. Other studies have also suggested a direct relationship between employees with a high EI and professional success.

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While IQ is something you are born with, EI is a skill that can be honed and perfected with a little practice. So, do you think you are an emotionally intelligent person? Find out for yourself with these telltale characteristics.

Open-mindedness

People with a high emotional intelligence also have a high level of self-awareness, which makes them listen to others carefully before jumping to conclusions or judgments. They are not quick to dismiss an idea just because it is different from their own. This makes them the number one go-to people for anyone who needs help solving challenges, issues or just a patient hearing. Emotionally intelligent people have a knack for sorting out problems and accepting different ideologies before they present themselves. They tend to become office favorites in no time.

Ability to handle criticism well

As mentioned earlier, a characteristic feature of people with high EI is self-awareness. This essentially means a deep knowledge of what sets them off. It also means that such people can appraise themselves on everything from faults to praise with honesty. So when criticised at the workplace for their mistakes, they do not go on an emotional roller-coaster ride. They try to analyse their mistake, identify the root cause and fix it so they don’t repeat it again.

Self-motivation

Emotionally intelligent individuals are driven and easily motivated to strive for the best and achieve their goals. This is not because they expect a reward but because they simply possess a go-getter attitude. They quickly move from one task to another because their goal is to finish them fast.

Ability to balance well

People with high EI know how to strike a balance, and effectively at that. Prioritising work over other needs can result in unnecessary burnout and stress, which in turn lowers productivity. Compared to others, emotionally intelligent people can balance between the two because they know when to let go and when to plug in.

So are you an emotionally intelligent person?