Emotional Intelligence Decomposed 2 of 5 The following is second in a five part series of blogs will help bring clarity to the term emotional intelligence (EO or EI). This clarity is in a form of decomposition. Self Understanding Self-understanding, a component of emotional intelligence, is an intrapersonal capability, which involves appropriately identifying and labeling your emotions. It requires accurately perceiving your current strengths and weaknesses in relation to your emotions and personal interactions. It is the ability to recognize triggers that affect your thoughts and behaviors. An emotionally intelligent individual with a great amount of self-understanding easily recognizes his emotions as they occur. He also displays self-confidence through his decisions and actions. Rational thinking is the act of using information to reach logical conclusions. It requires an individual to make assumptions about the outcome of a situation. Using your past experiences and intellect can help you to identify the best way to handle a situation or reach a conclusion. Rational thinking is often identified with recognizing and categorizing information. A synonym of rational thinking is logic. Emotions are thoughts or feelings that arise impulsively and are usually associated with a physical change in the person feeling them. Emotions can influence mood, thought, attitude, and behavior. Some emotions may be easier to recognize than others, especially because there can be several levels or stages of an emotion. Emotions are influenced by a number of factors, these include: triggers, past experience, personality, and environment. Emotional triggers are events that initiate an emotional response and have an impact on your thoughts or feelings. They are a result of either emotional or situational experiences. Often, emotional triggers cause an immediate response where the individual acts almost without consideration. An emotionally intelligent person must also be able to identify emotional triggers before they occur. Where is this applicable in your life, work, business or team? How would honing these skills position you for a brilliant future? How would it feel to have a strong self-understanding? With a strong self-understanding how could you show up in your everyday encounters? Always remember that if you have any questions or want further clarification to let me know. John Eugene Hill |