How do you measure and improve your emotional intelligence skills?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own and others' emotions, and to use them effectively in different situations. EI is a crucial skill for practice management, as it helps you build trust and rapport with your clients, colleagues, and staff, communicate clearly and empathetically, and cope with stress and challenges. But how do you measure and improve your EI skills? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Assess your current level

The first step is to assess your current level of EI, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You can use various tools and tests to measure your EI, such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), or the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal (EIA). These tools can give you feedback on different aspects of EI, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. You can also ask for feedback from others, such as your peers, mentors, or coaches, to get a different perspective on your EI.

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Richard Olson

Public Health student, Musician
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Sure, present all the tools and tips, take everything in. But unless your house is in order, you will fall short. You must enjoy a supportive home base with your special someone. Your inner self needs to be at peace. Solid. A foundation before extending yourself into the world at large. This is my realization.

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2 Set specific goals

The next step is to set specific goals for improving your EI skills, based on your assessment results and feedback. For example, you might want to improve your self-awareness by keeping a journal of your emotions and triggers, or your relationship management by practicing active listening and conflict resolution skills. Make sure your goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Write them down and track your progress regularly.

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3 Learn and practice

The third step is to learn and practice new EI skills and strategies, using various resources and methods. You can read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts on EI topics, such as emotional agility, empathy, or emotional resilience. You can also enroll in online or offline courses, workshops, or webinars on EI, or join a peer group, network, or community of practice to share and learn from others. The most important thing is to practice what you learn in your daily work and life situations, and reflect on your experiences and outcomes.

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Mark Sanna

DC, CEO, Certified Coach & Facilitator
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To improve my emotional intelligence, I work at becoming more self-aware of my emotions and how they impact my thoughts and behaviors. I practice regulating my emotions by identifying triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms. I work on building empathy by putting myself in others' shoes and actively listening to their perspectives. Enhancing social skills involves practicing effective communication and conflict resolution. Continuously developing and practicing these skills helps me increase my emotional intelligence and improve my relationships with others.

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4 Seek feedback and support

The fourth step is to seek feedback and support from others, to monitor and improve your EI skills. You can ask for constructive feedback from your clients, colleagues, or staff, on how you handle emotions, communicate, and collaborate. You can also seek support from a mentor, coach, or counselor, who can guide you, challenge you, and help you overcome any obstacles or difficulties. You can also support others in developing their EI skills, by giving them feedback, encouragement, or recognition.

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5 Review and celebrate

The final step is to review and celebrate your achievements and progress in improving your EI skills. You can use the same tools and tests you used in the first step, to measure your current level of EI, and compare it with your baseline level. You can also review your goals and actions, and evaluate how they helped you improve your EI. You can celebrate your achievements and progress by rewarding yourself, sharing your success stories with others, or acknowledging your efforts and growth.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you measure and improve your emotional intelligence skills?

1

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3

4

5

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1 Assess your current level

2 Set specific goals

3 Learn and practice

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Review and celebrate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Practice Management

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How do you measure and improve your emotional intelligence skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your current level

2 Set specific goals

3 Learn and practice

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Review and celebrate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Practice Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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