Okay, so what is “emotional intelligence”?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the capacity to be aware of and manage one’s own emotions, and the emotions of others. It is generally said to include three skills:

1. Self-awareness: The ability to accurately perceive your own emotions and thoughts, and to understand how they influence your behavior.

2. Self-regulation: The ability to manage your emotions in a way that allows you to achieve your goals. This includes being able to delay gratification, tolerate stress, and overcome obstacles.

3. Social awareness: The ability to understand the emotions of other people, and to respond effectively to them.

Now, why is emotional intelligence important to entrepreneurs?

Being an emotionally intelligent entrepreneur is not only a good way to lead your business but it can also be helpful in your personal life.

Here are five ways to become more emotionally intelligent and use that newfound skill to benefit your business:

1. Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability

As an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to show your vulnerability. You may feel like you need to put on a brave face and be strong for your team. However, being emotionally intelligent means that you understand the importance of vulnerability. When you open up to your team and let them see your weaknesses, you create a more trusting and supportive environment. This can help your team to feel more comfortable sharing their own vulnerabilities, which can strengthen your relationships and help you to better solve problems.

2. Be aware of your own emotions and triggers

As an entrepreneur, it’s important to be aware of your own emotions and triggers. When you’re aware of what sets you off, you can better manage your reactions. For example, if you know that you get angry when someone challenges your ideas, you can prepare yourself before a meeting by breathing deeply and reminding yourself that you’re open to feedback. This will help you stay in control of your emotions and avoid reacting impulsively.

3. Use your emotions to fuel your creativity

When most people think of emotions, they think of negative feelings like anger or sadness. However, positive emotions like happiness, joy, and love can also be powerful sources of creativity. When you allow yourself to feel these positive emotions, they can help you come up with new ideas and solutions. So next time you’re feeling stuck, try taking a few minutes to really let yourself feel happy or loved. You may be surprised at how much your creativity blooms.

4. Pay attention to the emotional states of those around you

As an entrepreneur, it’s important to be aware of the emotional states of those around you. When people are stressed or upset, it can be difficult for them to focus on their work. By recognizing the emotional states of those around you, you can better manage the environment in which you work. For example, if you see that someone is feeling overwhelmed, you may want to offer them assistance or give them some space so that they can relax.

5. Be willing to forgive and apologize

One of the most important aspects of emotional intelligence is the ability to forgive and apologize. When things go wrong, it’s natural to feel upset or angry. However, holding onto these negative feelings can only hurt you emotionally and professionally. By forgiving those who have wronged you and apologizing for your own mistakes, you create a more positive environment in which growth is possible.

Need help growing into the entrepreneur you were meant to be?

If you want to learn more skills that will help you level up your business, business coaching would be a good fit for you! Book a discovery call with us to learn more about how business coaching can benefit you AND your business, and join our tribe in the Money Bitch Community Facebook Group!