Science Explains Why You’re Probably a Lot More Emotionally Intelligent Than You Think

Five traits that indicate you’re more self-aware, empathetic, and better at managing relationships than you think.

EXPERT OPINION BY JEFF HADEN @JEFF_HADEN

Illustration: Getty Images

Like it or not — especially if you don’t think you’re particularly emotionally intelligent — research shows developing greater emotional intelligence can lead to higher performance and pay, as well as better professional and personal relationships.

Add it all up, and the better you can understand and manage your emotions, and the emotions of people around you, the greater your chances of success.

Don’t think your emotional intelligence is high? Research shows you’re probably more emotionally intelligent than you think, especially if any of the following are true.

You readily admit mistakes.

As Daniel Coyle writes in The Culture Code, Navy SEAL Dave Cooper feels the most important words a leader can say are, “I screwed that up.”

How Anthropic's Claude AI Became a Co-Founder

That might sound strange. Leaders should project unshakable confidence. Admitting weakness risks creating more weakness, if only perceived. 

Nope: Emotionally intelligent people realize strong cultures can only be built when people feel safe enough to tell one another the truth, and that starts with moments when leaders admit they’re not perfect.

The result is a vulnerability loop. One person allows themself to be vulnerable and admits a mistake or a shortcoming; that allows another person to do the same. In time, that leads to more open exchanges that build trust and drive performance.

© Inc.com