You can have the highest IQ in the room and still struggle at work, in relationships, or under pressure. Why?
Because intelligence doesn’t only come from what you know, it comes from how you manage yourself and relate to others.
That’s where Emotional Intelligence (EQ) comes in.
It’s not something most of us learned in school. Yet it affects how we lead teams, handle conflict, stay motivated, and manage stress, especially in today’s work-from-home and hybrid environments.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence is your ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions and to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman, one of the leading voices on the topic, broke EQ into five key skills:
- Self-awareness – Knowing what you feel and why.
- Self-regulation – Managing your emotional responses.
- Motivation – Using emotions to reach your goals.
- Empathy – Understanding others’ feelings.
- Social skills – Navigating relationships effectively.
These aren’t “soft skills.” They’re survival skills , especially in high-pressure environments.
Why EQ Matters More Than Ever
In remote work, digital communication strips away tone, body language, and face-to-face context. Misunderstandings grow. Team cohesion weakens. Motivation drops.
Without EQ:
- We take feedback as criticism.
- We react impulsively in Slack or emails.
- We fail to recognize when a teammate is stressed or disengaged.
With EQ:
- We pause before reacting.
- We understand emotional triggers.
- We listen better and lead with empathy.
A study by TalentSmart1 found that 90% of top performers have high EQ, and emotional intelligence accounts for nearly 60% of job performance across all industries.
EQ in Studying and Self-Management
For students or self-learners, EQ affects how you handle:
- Procrastination – Is it fear, overwhelm, or boredom?
- Feedback – Can you separate your identity from the work?
- Focus – Can you manage frustration and keep going?
Understanding your emotional patterns can prevent burnout, improve time management, and help you stay grounded during exams, deadlines, or solo study sessions.
How to Build Emotional Intelligence
EQ can be learned and improved — just like a muscle.
1. Practice Naming Your Emotions
Instead of just saying “I feel bad,” try identifying: Is it anxious, irritated, disappointed, or tired? Naming the emotion increases clarity and control.
2. Pause Before Reacting
In tense moments, take a breath. Ask: What am I really feeling? What outcome do I want?
3. Listen to Understand
In meetings or conversations, focus on listening to understand, not just to respond.
4. Ask for Feedback
It’s one of the fastest ways to see how your emotions and behavior affect others.
5. Reflect Regularly
End your day with one question: “How did I manage my emotions today and what can I do better tomorrow?”
Final Thought
You might not have learned Emotional Intelligence in school but now, it could be the most important skill you develop.
In a world where uncertainty, digital interaction, and self-leadership are the norm, those who understand emotions, their own and others’, will always stand out.
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