The 5 dimensions of emotional intelligence

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With the various crises, the different reorganizations, we are going through moments of fear, sadness, anger. Emotions are a part of our lives, that's normal, but the question that comes up when we talk about emotional intelligence is: how do emotions come to influence our behavior at work?

Emotional intelligence is not about denying emotions, nor is it about managing emotions as if we could put them into boxes. Emotions are there, they are alive and that's normal. It's part of our head, it's part of our body, it's part of how we are. The subject with emotional intelligence is: how not to be overwhelmed by our emotions? How can we not be dominated by our emotions?

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Size 1: The perception of emotions

There are four basic emotions that are very well known: joy, fear, sadness, and anger. Two others are sometimes added, which are surprise and disgust. The first dimension of emotional intelligence is already being aware of these emotions. Be aware of this, because from the moment we feel these emotions, they will impact how we relate to others. We're not going to react the same way depending on whether we're feeling angry or happy.

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Size 2: Emotional expression

The second dimension of emotional intelligence is the expression of emotions. To be able to talk about it, to be able to say: “Today, I am in such a state of mind, so I am very effective”, or on the contrary: “I am tired and therefore I need to be able to concentrate in order to work optimally.” It is quite simple, sometimes, to say: “I am happy”, or on the contrary: “I am tired and therefore I need to be able to concentrate in order to work optimally.” It is quite simple, sometimes, to say: “I am happy”, to express joy, it is also an expression of emotional intelligence. So to be able to talk about these different emotions that are going through us: joy, fear, sadness, anger, surprise or disgust.

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Size 3: human relationships

The third dimension of emotional intelligence is how we are going to relate to each other. The expression is what I say, but the relationship, there is what I say, and then there is what others tell me, and how I welcome, how will we be able to be fluid in our relationships. Because we feel emotions, but so does the person in front of us, and we are not necessarily in the same place. How do we also welcome emotions? How do we welcome what is happening to the other, when we tell them news, good news, bad news? How are we able to manage relationships, the dynamics of exchange.

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Size 4: decision making

The fourth dimension of emotional intelligence is decision making. Depending on whether we are able to go see several people, to listen to what people are saying to us, to also say our doubts, our questions, and so on. This will encourage the collection of good information. It will also allow us, eventually, to manage the hazards, doubts, questions that we may have. This will ultimately facilitate decision making.

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Size 5: stress management

Finally, but this is no small subject: the fifth dimension of emotional intelligence is stress management. How do we deal with stress? Are we overwhelmed by this stress? Are we capable of looking for new solutions, of going to see other people, of relying on those around us to find solutions? It's all part of emotional intelligence. The good news is that emotional intelligence is growing. Life experience, quite simply, leads us to develop our emotional intelligence. What is also interesting is that to develop it, we will identify our strengths and we will rely on our strengths, and this will create a virtuous circle, where by relying on our strengths, we are able to develop our emotional intelligence.

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It is a vast subject that can still be developed, but starting by mastering these five dimensions is the best way to ultimately master emotional intelligence and to take advantage of it in a professional and personal setting.

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