In recent years, there's been much talk about AI and robots potentially replacing our skills and jobs, with the exception of emotional intelligence. Now, even emotional intelligence is said to be teachable. But before robots leave us all unemployed, let's remember that we face many challenges in our work and daily lives where emotional intelligence proves invaluable.
So, what exactly is emotional intelligence?
Most people think it's about how we interact with others: understanding them, empathising, respecting their feelings and opinions, listening to them and accepting them as they are.
However, as humans, we are somewhat selfish beings (due to our survival instinct), and we tend to focus more on observing and interacting with others than delving into ourselves.
What does emotional intelligence mean in regard to ourselves?
First and foremost, it's about self-awareness and respecting our own thoughts and desires. It's also about self-management.
Why is emotional intelligence important in our professional lives?
Because, for now (and hopefully in the future), we are part of a society and must interact with people at different stages of emotional and intellectual development, each with their own fears, worries, desires, and drivers. Therefore, effectively utilising components of emotional intelligence, such as self-regulation, self-awareness, motivation, empathy, and other social skills, helps us collaborate successfully.
