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Black Collegian Career Center
What's Your
"EQ"?
by Kathy Simmons
Are you under-appreciated at work? Despite your education and skills, is your career
losing steam? The problem may be your "EQ" (emotional intelligence quotient).
Studies show that EQ outranks IQ as a determinate for job performance and long-term
success. In fact, a recent survey of American employers reveals oral communication and
interpersonal teamwork as the most highly sought after skills for entry-level hires.
You better believe your EQ will be evaluated during the hiring process as well as on
the job thereafter. Daniel Goleman's Working With Emotional Intelligence identifies
five pillars of emotional competence:
SELF-AWARENESS
"Most people believe they see the world as it is. However,
we really see the world as we are."
Anonymous
Self-awareness means understanding your emotions. It helps you face personal
shortcomings and moods courageously, and admit mistakes rather than blaming others or
making excuses. Those with strong self-awareness have no fewer frustrations than
others--they simply handle them with more grace.
The litmus test for self-awareness involves how you accept criticism. Do you become
defensive? Or do you retaliate so that the spotlight is moved off your shortcomings?
Emotionally intelligent people desire self-improvement. They know that candid feedback is
essential to understand how others perceive them, and to raise their self-awareness. Even
though the words may sting, they realize the value of listening and considering them
carefully.
SELF-REGULATION
"He is strong who conquers others; he who conquers himself is
mighty."
Lao-Tzu
While self-awareness means you know your emotions, self-regulation means you are
able to master them. Those prone to excess, such as workaholics, have low self-regulation.
They are unable to balance their lives effectively, and usually suffer from stress,
negativity, and an inability to set boundaries.
A quick measure of your self-regulation skill involves your ability to remain calm in
the face of annoying people on the job. Goleman explains, "Among counselors and
psychotherapists, superior performers respond calmly to personal attacks by a patient. So
do outstanding flight attendants faced with disgruntled passengers." Regardless of
occupation, refusing to act upon impulsive desires (such as giving someone "a piece
of your mind") is an emotional competence that high achievers possess.
MOTIVATION
"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with
mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents."
Andrew Carnegie
Do you need a dream job before you can be enthusiastic about your work? No, only a
dream attitude! As Thomas Carlyle said, "All work, even cotton-spinning is noble;
work is alone noble."
True motivation is genuine. Why is enthusiasm so noticeable? Because it's rare! It's
easier to stay on the path of negativity and complacency. Goleman credits optimism as a
key motivational competency that typifies outstanding performance. Optimism is revealed
through 1) persistence despite obstacles and setbacks, 2) a focus on the rewards of
success rather than the fear of failure, and 3) viewing a setback as a "manageable
circumstance rather than a personal flaw."
EMPATHY
"If there is any one secret to success, it lies in the ability to
get the other person's point of view and see things from his angle as well as from your
own."
Henry Ford
Those with empathy have the capacity to understand and be sensitive to, and
vicariously experience the feelings and experience of another without having them fully
communicated in an explicit manner. Indeed, they seem to have an uncanny ability to adjust
their approach to people, depending on their particular needs. People with high empathy
are usually excellent listeners. Their knack for making others feel valued helps them
enjoy a loyal support system at work.
Empathy steers you through the treacherous psychological highways of an office full of
people, each with a different set of unique pet peeves and prejudices. It causes you to
sense coworkers' unhappiness, despite their smiles, and to put yourself in the place of
angry customers and apologize sincerely for mishaps.
SOCIAL SKILLS
"I will pay more for the ability to handle people than for any other
talent under the sun."
John D. Rockefeller
Employees with strong social skills display many winning qualities. They are star
team players choosing group synergy and good will rather than individual accolades. You
won't find them churning the rumor mill or backstabbing others. Those with sharp social
skills have integrity and strong reputations that serve them well. John Hancock once said,
"The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and influence their
actions."
Don't underestimate the value of handling interpersonal relations smoothly. A genuine
concern for others is paramount. Consider the most respected, admired people you work
with. Chances are they graciously extend a helping hand when needed, listen more than they
talk, and build others up rather than tearing them down.
HOW SHARP IS YOUR EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?
Studies show that emotional competencies are at least twice as important in
contributing to superior job performance as IQ. Could your EQ use sharpening? Resolve now
to raise your awareness and cultivate these highly sought after skills. Now that's a smart
idea.
Measure how sharp your soft skills
are by taking our quiz:
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