Having a well-developed level of emotional intelligence (otherwise known as emotional quotient or E.Q.) allows leaders to be able to inspire and motivate others to achieve a shared objective and vision.
As an introvert, this can be a little harder to achieve as there’s a tendency to prefer spending time alone than with others. However, to help you overcome this, here are 4 ways to strengthen your emotional intelligence:
- Increase your self-awareness. Start by understanding your own motivations and behaviours.
- Develop your vision by learning about your strengths, the things you’re naturally good at and listen to your inner values.
- Embrace your passion to succeed and lean in to your internal compass rather than external forces and situations.
- Know how to recharge your batteries, so you can perform at your best.
Knowing how to recharge your batteries is so important for introverts especially if for example you’ve had high intensity interactions which expend your energy. You can learn how to stay energised by observing what activities re-energise you and which ones drain you.
- Respect yourself and know the limitations of your mind and body. Strive for balance between your responsibilities in all areas of your professional and personal life.
- Become aware of your performance risks, the things you’re not so good at. Don’t focus on these as being bad but acknowledge their presence. Where appropriate, seek ways to improve, be open to change and willing to let go of things that no longer serve you. The ripple effect will be amazing.
- Strengthen your discipline and self-management. Learning to be responsible for your behaviour, attitudes, and actions can raise your performance levels as well as help you to build trust and authority with your team and co-workers.
- Seek their help and support. Ask how you can help them, or what you need to do differently to communicate and work with them more effectively.
- Hold yourself accountable for your actions and performance.
- Don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities and tasks. Be confident enough in your own strengths and capabilities to surround yourself with talented, qualified people.
- Develop your social awareness. Be aware of your own attitudes and the power you have to motivate others.
- Show genuine concern for those around you and learn how to actively listen. Doing so will create lasting bonds and stronger relationships which will help people work with you rather than against you.
- Give those around you a reason to support you and your vision. Let them know when they have done a great job and look for ways to recognise and reward their performance.
- Help your team buy into your vision by making them stakeholders in the attainment of shared goals. Seek their advice when setting goals and making plans on how they will be achieved.
- Help others to increase their abilities and fully utilise their talents by providing opportunities for training and self-development.
- Emphasise greater relationship leadership. Learn how to bring out the best in yourself and others. Utilise everyone’s best qualities by playing to their strengths and minimising their performance risks with effective assignment of tasks and delegation of responsibilities.
- Develop a sense of need for a shared vision and understanding that you are accountable for the overall success or non-fulfilment of the team.
- Establish a strong and positive connection between you and your team members by remembering to speak to your team in a positive manner, even when things are not going to plan.
- Convey the importance of the task, the reason it is being done, and how the team will benefit from completing the project.
- Establish a clear structure that enables you to manage your team effectively and be seen as a true leader.
- Gain a better understanding of what motivates, encourages and supports team members.
Regardless of your level of expertise, you can achieve greater success by learning how to implement your people skills to fully harness the talents and energy of others. These strategies will help you to increase your Emotional Intelligence and inspire those around you.
If you’d like help with this, contact me today for a complimentary 30-minute call and let’s explore how I can help you be the difference maker you are meant to be.
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Photo by Yoann Boyer on Unsplash