Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, many believe that expertise is the most important trait for entrepreneurs to possess. But there are several traits that one must have at their disposal so they can become innovative in their industry. Some of these traits include, but are not limited to, creativity, problem-solving, optimism, and, most importantly, leadership.
However, an entrepreneur cannot develop leadership without emotional intelligence. In this blog, we’ll dive into emotional intelligence, understanding its value, and how this can bring entrepreneurs one step closer to success.
An Overview of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and understand one’s own emotions as well as those of those around them. This skill involves recognizing when one’s feelings get too high, low, or generally imbalanced. Without this skill, it is hard for individuals to effectively communicate and solve problems as they arise.
There are many challenges entrepreneurs will experience as they reach success. These challenges should be expected, but it’s ultimately their decision on how they and their team will respond. Research from the Journal of Human Performance found that people with high emotional intelligence cultivated higher levels of performance when compared to groups with lower emotional intelligence.
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
Expanding upon the research’s specifics, emotional intelligence sounds easy to develop. But, as everyone has their own self-interests, especially entrepreneurs, this skill is harder to implement. Entrepreneurs can develop emotional intelligence in three ways.
- Reflection: This strategy is a great place to start. Think about the difficult challenges faced while developing a product or business. Ask yourself, “How did I feel then?” or “How do I feel now after it’s been all over?” or even “How did I treat the people around me?” These questions will provide the clarity needed to approach problems differently than in the past.
- Learn from Others: As an entrepreneur, there is nothing better than to use your colleagues and mentors to help you better understand your emotions. It’s hard to always identify our own reactions and communication styles, so colleagues could do this for us. If you’ve struggled to develop a close-knit group of trusted professionals, you should consider Enhanced Konnect Services’s small business consulting services. Our experienced, certified coaches will help you understand your emotions in a work environment and create a game plan for preventing high-stress emotions in the future.
- Emotional Assessment Tools: These tools can help you understand your emotions, providing a baseline for where to start. Some of these assessments include the Institute for Health and Human Potential Emotional Intelligence Assessment and the Myers-Briggs EQ-i assessment. You’ll find your strengths, weaknesses, and various solutions that could improve your emotional intelligence skills.
Harness Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a simple term, though harder to implement in reality. The statement, “Human interactions are complex,” is truly an understatement. However, emotional intelligence can bring us one step closer to supporting ourselves and others in their professional and personal lives. Entrepreneurial success, whether referring to revenue, product development, or something else entirely, has never been closer.
At Enhanced Konnect Services LLC, we understand the significance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional development. If you have any questions or would like to see how our services could enhance your emotional intelligence, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re here to support your journey toward greater emotional intelligence and the numerous benefits it brings.
