People with high EI :
- Label their feelings, rather than labeling people or situations
- Distinguish between thought and feelings
- Take responsibility for their feelings
- Use their emotions to help make decisions
- Show respect for others’ feelings
- Feel energized, not angry
- Validate others’ feelings
- Practice getting a positive value from their negative emotions
- Don’t advice, command, control, criticize , blame or judge others
- Avoid people who invalidate them or don’t respect their feelings
What can I do to raise my EI?
- The first step, identify your own emoticons (Use the feeling word list opposite to help you)
- Take responsibility for them (This is much harder)
- Learn what compassion and empathy are (It is much easier if you have taken the first two steps)
- Read books on emotions (Consult the mind, body & soul section of any book)
- Get involved with learning. Join our programs for professional development
- Find a quiet place / time to express your feelings
- Read emotional literature, watch emotional movies, label the feelings being acted out
- Avoid people who invalidate you
(Source : The Emotional Intelligence, M. Chapman)
