Emotional intelligence:
your secret weapon in politics
Read time: 2.25 minutes
Sure, you’re intelligent. But without emotional intelligence, your success in elected office will only scratch the surface of its true potential.
Why it matters
Emotional intelligence (EI) enhances personal, professional, and political relationships, improves communication, aids in conflict resolution, and leads to better decision-making and leadership abilities. People with high EI are often more resilient, adaptable, and successful in various aspects of life, but especially politics.
So what exactly is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions in oneself and others. It encompasses several key components:
Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and drives, and their impact on others. It involves being conscious of one’s own emotional state and how it influences thoughts and behavior.
Self-regulation: Managing one’s own emotions and impulses in a healthy way. It includes controlling or redirecting disruptive emotions and adapting to changing circumstances.
Empathy: Understanding the emotions of others. It involves recognizing and considering other people’s feelings, especially when making decisions. Empathy is crucial for building and maintaining relationships.
Social skills: Managing relationships to move people in desired directions. It includes skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Okay, so how do I become more emotionally intelligent?
You can improve your EI through a combination of self-reflection, skill development, and practical application. Here are some specific strategies:
Self-awareness:
- Regular Reflection: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and reactions.
- Feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues, constituents, and advisors to gain insights into how your behavior is perceived and where you can improve.
Self-regulation:
- Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or meditation to improve emotional regulation and reduce stress.
- Impulse Control: Practice pausing and taking deep breaths before responding to challenging situations or making decisions.
- Stress Management: Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Empathy:
- Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving full attention to constituents and colleagues, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully.
- Perspective-Taking: Make an effort to understand the perspectives and experiences of others, especially those from different backgrounds or with differing views.
- Community Engagement: Spend time in your community to better understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the people you serve.
Social Skills:
- Effective Communication: Improve your communication skills by being clear, concise, and respectful in your interactions. Use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs without placing blame.
- Conflict Resolution: Develop techniques for managing and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner. Focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions and maintaining respect for all parties involved.
- Relationship Building: Invest time in building and maintaining positive relationships with constituents, colleagues, and stakeholders. Show appreciation and support for others’ efforts and contributions.
Continuous Learning:
- Reading and Research: Read books, articles, and studies on emotional intelligence to deepen your understanding and learn new strategies. Recommended books include Daniel Goleman’s “Emotional Intelligence” and Travis Bradberry’s “Emotional Intelligence 2.0.”
- Mentorship and Peer Support: Seek mentorship from experienced leaders who demonstrate high emotional intelligence.
By consistently practicing these strategies and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can enhance your emotional intelligence, leading to more effective leadership, better decision-making, and stronger connections with your community.