Chances are you know someone like this: They have the gift of intelligence but they lack common sense. In most cases, people like this haven’t fully developed the emotional skills needed to relate to people effectively
Common sense gives us the ability to make good decisions and adapt to changing situations under pressure. Emotional intelligence is described as advanced common sense.
Studies indicate at least 27-45 percent of your success on the job — your satisfaction in life — relates to your ability to use emotional intelligence when relating to others.
When people see such phrases as “strong people skills” and “strong technical skills” in job postings, they tend to dismiss the “people skills” and focus on selling their technical abilities to potential employers. People skills are often called soft skills, and the word “soft” might make you these skills are passive or less-competitive. You’d be wrong.
Soft skills actually drive employers’ hiring decisions because employers are looking for candidates who get along with others.
So what is emotional intelligence and how can you build it?
According to “The Other Kind of Smart,” by Harvey Deutschendorf , it means being real, genuine, open and honest regarding feelings. And here’s why it matters: Research indicates strong emotional intelligence distinguishes star performers from average ones.
How can strengthening your emotional intelligence help?
It helps handle conflict, because you are able to bring people together rather than letting conflict divide them.
You are better able to build trust.
You are more aware of your emotions and how you respond to stressful situations.
It helps you to negotiate outcomes in a positive way.
You are better able to make good decisions instead of reacting to problems.
You are more adept at developing rapport while job searching.
It’s never too late to develop your emotional intelligence. A good place to start would be to read more about the subject , and start practicing by changing the way you react to situations.
What have you found more important in your job search, people skills or technical skills?
