These 10 practical tips can help enhance emotional intelligence in communication, the workplace, and daily life.
Limit phone use in ride-sharing vehicles
Constantly scrolling through your phone and avoiding communication with the driver is impolite. A representative from the Emily Post Institute in the US stated that good manners center on making others feel respected. Temporarily putting away your phone and greeting the driver upon entering the vehicle demonstrates civilized conduct.
Actively end conversations
When someone indicates they are about to eat, take a shower, or are busy, a perceptive individual understands this as a signal to conclude the conversation. Actively withdrawing rather than insisting on continuing helps both parties save face.
Place your phone face down at the table
The act of engaging with a phone while conversing is known as "phubbing." Research from Baylor University in the US indicates that this habit reduces relationship satisfaction. Professor Sherry Turkle of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology noted that a phone's presence on the table, even if off, diminishes empathy. Individuals with high emotional intelligence typically place their phones face down to focus on listening.
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Illustration: Psychology Today
Avoid judging others
Refraining from judging appearance, income, or gossiping about others is a fundamental rule. Former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt famously stated: "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
Adapt your behavior
How you present yourself should depend on your audience. In casual interactions, confidence can create opportunities. However, with close acquaintances, humility helps prevent jealousy and preserves the relationship.
Share credit for success
When projects achieve good results, individuals with high emotional intelligence recognize collective contributions rather than seeking personal glory. Author Simon Sinek states that exceptional individuals accept responsibility for errors and share credit for successes. Entrepreneur Arnold H. Glasow also noted that stepping back during success is a prerequisite for advancement opportunities.
Maintain your privacy
Revealing all plans, weaknesses, or financial details to others can create future vulnerabilities. Maintaining privacy helps preserve independence.
Show vulnerability at opportune moments
Displaying excessive shrewdness to superiors can sometimes backfire. The "Benjamin Franklin Effect" in psychology suggests that actively seeking advice from someone can foster goodwill. Doctor Brene Brown of the University of Houston states that vulnerability is a measure of courage. This act of seeking guidance implicitly acknowledges a superior's competence, which can facilitate smoother working relationships.
Limit complaining
The psychological concept of "emotional contagion" reveals that constantly listening to complaints causes a listener's brain to release the stress hormone cortisol. This can diminish empathy and lead others to avoid frequent complainers.
Be thoughtful when visiting others
Even when visiting close family members, bringing a small gift is a way to show respect. Etiquette experts note that the gesture's thoughtfulness outweighs the gift's material value.
Bao Nhien (According to Aboluowang)
