You’re an executive in Library Services. How can you improve your emotional intelligence?

1 Assess yourself

The first step to improve your emotional intelligence is to assess your current level of emotional awareness, regulation, empathy, and social skills. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, to measure your strengths and areas for improvement. You can also seek feedback from your peers, staff, and stakeholders, to get a more objective and comprehensive perspective. Be open and receptive to constructive criticism, and use it to identify your blind spots and growth opportunities.

2 Learn from others

The second step to improve your emotional intelligence is to learn from others who demonstrate high levels of emotional intelligence. You can observe and emulate how they interact with different people and situations, how they express and handle their emotions, and how they cope with stress and challenges. You can also seek mentors or coaches who can guide you and provide you with feedback and support. You can also read books, articles, podcasts, or videos that offer insights and strategies on emotional intelligence.

3 Practice daily

The third step to improve your emotional intelligence is to practice it daily in your work and personal life. You can start by setting small and specific goals, such as listening more actively, showing more appreciation, or managing your anger more effectively. You can also use techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, journaling, or breathing exercises, to enhance your emotional awareness and regulation. You can also challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, such as meeting new people, learning new skills, or taking on new responsibilities.

4 Reflect and improve

The fourth step to improve your emotional intelligence is to reflect and improve on your progress and performance. You can use tools, such as journals, diaries, or apps, to track and review your emotional experiences, actions, and outcomes. You can also ask for feedback from others, such as your mentors, coaches, or peers, to evaluate your improvement and identify areas for further development. You can also celebrate your achievements and reward yourself for your efforts.

5 Stay curious and humble

The fifth step to improve your emotional intelligence is to stay curious and humble. You can do this by being open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, and by seeking to learn from others, especially those who are different from you. You can also do this by acknowledging your limitations, mistakes, and failures, and by seeking to improve yourself continuously. You can also do this by expressing gratitude, appreciation, and respect to others, and by recognizing their contributions and value.

6 Be authentic and compassionate

The sixth step to improve your emotional intelligence is to be authentic and compassionate. You can do this by being honest, transparent, and consistent in your words and actions, and by aligning them with your values and goals. You can also do this by being empathetic, supportive, and caring to others, and by understanding their needs, feelings, and motivations. You can also do this by being responsible, accountable, and ethical in your decisions and actions, and by considering their impact on others and the environment.

7 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?