How can you use EI to improve your career prospects?
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own and others' emotions, and to use them effectively in various situations. EI can help you improve your career prospects by enhancing your performance, communication, relationships, and well-being at work. Here are some ways you can use EI to boost your career satisfaction and success.
1 Assess your EI level
The first step to using EI to improve your career prospects is to assess your current level of EI. You can do this by taking a reliable and valid EI test, such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), or by seeking feedback from others who know you well. By assessing your EI level, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set realistic and specific goals for improvement.
2 Develop your EI skills
The second step to using EI to improve your career prospects is to develop your EI skills. EI skills include four main domains: perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions. You can develop your EI skills by engaging in activities that challenge and stimulate your emotional abilities, such as reading, writing, meditating, practicing mindfulness, expressing gratitude, listening empathically, and seeking diverse perspectives. You can also seek coaching, mentoring, or training opportunities that focus on EI development.
3 Apply your EI at work
The third step to using EI to improve your career prospects is to apply your EI at work. EI can help you excel in various aspects of your work, such as problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, leadership, negotiation, conflict resolution, and customer service. You can apply your EI at work by using your emotions as a source of information and motivation, by communicating effectively and respectfully with others, by building trust and rapport with your colleagues and clients, and by managing your stress and emotions in challenging situations.
4 Monitor your EI progress
The fourth step to using EI to improve your career prospects is to monitor your EI progress. You can do this by tracking your achievements, challenges, and feedback related to your EI goals, and by reflecting on your learning and growth. You can also seek regular and constructive feedback from others who can help you evaluate your EI performance and improvement. By monitoring your EI progress, you can celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and adjust your actions accordingly.
5 Showcase your EI to others
The fifth step to using EI to improve your career prospects is to showcase your EI to others. EI can help you stand out from the crowd and impress your potential or current employers, by demonstrating your value, potential, and fit for the organization. You can showcase your EI to others by highlighting your EI skills and achievements in your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or online profile, by using stories and examples that illustrate your EI in action, and by displaying your EI in interviews, presentations, or meetings.
6 Keep learning and growing
The sixth step to using EI to improve your career prospects is to keep learning and growing. EI is not a fixed trait that you are born with or without, but a dynamic skill that you can develop and enhance throughout your life. You can keep learning and growing by staying curious and open-minded, by seeking new and diverse experiences and opportunities, by embracing feedback and challenges, and by cultivating a growth mindset that believes in your ability to improve and succeed.
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?
