2. Caring
3. Empathetic

 
My Weaknesses:
1. Sensitive
2. Overthinking

3. Too Much Talking

You probably have good relationships with some of your colleagues, but others may be more difficult to work with.

The good news is that you have a great opportunity to improve your working relationships significantly. Read more below to boost your EI still further.

You probably have good relationships with some of your colleagues, but others may be more difficult to work with.

The good news is that you have a great opportunity to improve your working relationships significantly. Read more below to boost your EI still further.


Self-Awareness

(Questions 1, 8, 11)

In his 1995 book "Emotional Intelligence: Why it can Matter More Than IQ," Goleman explained that people with high self-awareness are "aware of their moods as they are having them."

To increase self-awareness , learn about mindfulness . This involves focusing on the present moment – including how you're feeling. And keep a journal  in which you write about and analyze the emotional situations you experience from day to day.

You also need to understand your strengths and weaknesses to build self-awareness. Do a personal SWOT analysis , and ask for feedback  from your boss, friends, and trusted colleagues to find out how you can improve further.


Self-Regulation

(Questions 2, 4, 7)

Self-regulation is about staying in control. To develop your skills in this area, learn how to manage your emotions  effectively.

If you often get angry , note what triggers this feeling, and think about why this happens. Use techniques such as deep breathing  to calm yourself down, and give yourself time to pause before you respond to emails or requests, so that you don't say something that you'll later regret. (See our article on anger management  to learn more about this.)

You may also be affected by other negative feelings and emotions, such as anxiety  and stress . So, do what you can to manage these feelings effectively.

Accountability  is another important element of self-regulation. Take responsibility for your actions and behaviors, and make sure that these align with your values .


Motivation

(Questions 6, 10, 12)

Self-motivation is strongly affected by your emotions. When you're distracted by your emotions, you may find it hard to see tasks through.

Boost your motivation levels  by developing self-discipline , and by looking for and celebrating small wins  – simple jobs that, when you've completed them, give you a sense of achievement.

Also, set yourself longer-term goals . When you decide what you want to achieve, you'll focus on what really matters to you. This can be highly motivating, especially when you connect personal goals with career-related ones.

If you're still struggling to get motivated in your current role, take some time to rediscover your purpose .


Empathy

(Questions 3, 13, 15)

Empathy is the ability to recognize other people's emotions and understand their perspectives. Goleman calls this aspect of EI "the fundamental people skill."

To develop empathy , start by simply thinking about other people's viewpoints. Imagine how they may be feeling, and use active listening skills  to understand them fully when they express their emotions to you.

Try not to interrupt or talk about your own feelings during the conversation. Look at their body language , too: it can tell you a lot about their emotions. If you watch and listen to others, you'll quickly become attuned to how they feel. (The Perceptual Positions  technique can give you a particularly sharp insight into what other people may be thinking and feeling.)

(Questions 5, 9, 14)

Even if you're not a natural "people person," it is possible to develop better social skills.

Start by taking our quiz  to see which communication skills you need to improve on. Then, find out how you can develop trust  and rapport  with people – this is an essential part of building good working relationships .

Don't shy away from negative situations, either. Learn how to deal with conflict  and other difficult situations effectively.

If you're uncomfortable with social situations, work on building self-confidence . Start slowly, but then look for opportunities to practice your skills with bigger groups. For example, you could offer to attend conferences on behalf of your team.

However, when so many people admire your people skills, it's easy to lose sight of your own needs.

Researchers have found that emotionally intelligent people often have great leadership potential. Realize this potential by seeking opportunities to improve even further.