What are the characteristics of emotional intelligence at work, and how does it manifest in your jobs? EQ, according to Daniel Goleman, an internationally known psychologist and author, has five key elements that, when properly managed, help you attain a higher level of emotional intelligence so you can be more productive and happier at work. The following are those elements, along with examples of how they can be applied in the workplace:

Self-Awareness
The ability to identify and understand your thoughts, impulses, and feelings is an essential part of EQ. However, it's equally important to be aware of how your moods, actions, and emotions affect those around you. With this in mind, the next time you encounter a challenging coworker or receive criticism, take time to listen and reflect before you react. Step outside for a few minutes, take some deep breaths and notice what you are feeling in an objective way.

Self-Regulation
Having control over your feelings and behavior is crucial in any situation because your emotions strongly affect your relationship with coworkers, superiors, and clients. While we're not suggesting that you hide or suppress how you truly feel, be mindful of the environments and situations that trigger you. An effective strategy is to establish a self-communication rule. Write down on paper, "Whatever happens, I stay calm, and I do not react emotionally." Keep this visible and the next time you feel defensive or heated, repeat this mantra as many times as necessary to fight the urge to blow a fuse.

Motivation
Self-motivation is greatly affected by your emotions. Because feeling positive and satisfied with your work can lead to feeling more motivated about accomplishing tasks. People who have emotional intelligence in the workplace are driven by inner fulfillment and happiness rather than external rewards such as money, fame, and power. Furthermore, if you're motivated, you can help inspire others in the workplace. For example, you might encourage and uplift a coworker struggling with a challenging project or task.

Empathy
Having the capacity to understand how others are feeling is crucial to emotional intelligence. But it also involves how you respond to people based on this information. If you have strong empathy skills, you can easily see things from different perspectives, which can help support a more inclusive workplace. For instance, if you're working in a team, try to be flexible, show your support, build on your team's strengths and avoid making assumptions.

Social Skills
Even if you're not a natural-born "people person," it is possible to practice and develop social skills such as effective communication, respect, and active listening. If you're uncomfortable with social interactions at work, try building your self-confidence and look for opportunities to practice your skills in groups. You could help resolve a workplace conflict or take a few moments to listen to a coworker who needs support. And remember to communicate your ideas in a way that is relatable and easy to digest.

Collected from
monster.com