Artificial intelligence is a legitimate threat; even if AI itself won't replace your job, someone leveraging AI will most likely outperform you.

Recently, no matter what your interests are or which social media bubble the algorithm has placed you in, or even if you're a traditional newsletter reader, I'm sure you've encountered a flood of articles about AI.

With AI gaining more traction, many are concerned about their jobs, and this concern is reasonable. The first step is to leverage AI to your advantage. However, this isn't the skill that will help you outcompete AI. The one skill where humans have a distinct advantage over AI is emotional intelligence, or EI.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence our own emotions and the emotions of others. Contrary to popular belief, EI is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed and refined. It encompasses four core components:

1. Self-Awareness: Understanding your own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and how they affect your actions and interactions.

2. Self-Management: The ability to regulate your emotions, particularly in stressful situations, and maintain control over impulsive behaviors.

3. Social Awareness: Recognizing and understanding the emotions of others, including the dynamics within groups and organizations.

4. Relationship Management: The ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships, resolve conflicts, and mentor or coach others.
   

Why Emotional Intelligence is the Skill to Develop

Contrary to popular belief, emotional intelligence is not something you are born with; it is a skill that can be developed and refined. While AI excels at technical tasks and can easily learn and build upon technical aspects, it lacks the human touch. This human touch encompasses skills that are essential, especially for those seeking promotions and aiming to climb the ladder into leadership positions.

TalentSmartEQ, a leading provider of emotional intelligence assessments, found that emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of performance, accounting for 58% of success across various job types. Moreover, 90% of top performers possess high emotional intelligence, underscoring its critical role in career advancement.

Landing a leadership position requires a comprehensive set of skills, including technical expertise and personal abilities. However, emotional intelligence stands out as the most crucial. It enables individuals to be socially aware of their environment, communicate effectively, and exhibit strong performance. This is increasingly vital in a world where AI is becoming more prevalent.

The Distinct Advantage of Emotional Intelligence

In an era where AI is transforming industries, AI can handle technical tasks with increasing efficiency, but it is the human capacity for emotional intelligence that sets us apart and provides a distinct advantage in the workplace. Therefore, the ability to develop and leverage emotional intelligence is more crucial than ever. By honing this skill, you can achieve career success, secure leadership positions, and outcompete AI in areas that require human connection and understanding.

How to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence

Improving your emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. Continuously being aware of your emotional state, responses, and behaviors helps you understand yourself, your triggers, and ways to manage your reactions. Writing for as little as 10 minutes a day, reflecting on yourself or any topic in mind, is an excellent way to express your thoughts and emotions in a different format. This outlet, handwriting, requires more focus and a different mindset, making it a powerful tool for self-reflection.

1. Practice Self-Reflection: Dedicate a few minutes each day to reflect on your interactions and emotional responses. Consider the emotions you experienced and the reasons behind them. Think about how you might handle similar situations differently in the future. This practice can help you gain deeper insights into your emotional patterns and improve your self-awareness.

2. Always Insist on Receiving Feedback: Constructive feedback from colleagues and mentors can provide valuable insights into how others perceive your emotional intelligence. Use this feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

3. Develop Empathy: To enhance your empathy, engage in active listening and make an effort to understand others' perspectives and emotions. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see the situation from their viewpoint. This practice will boost your social awareness and foster better relationships.

4. Manage Stress: Adopting stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or regular physical exercise can help you maintain emotional control and resilience, especially during challenging times. These practices allow you to stay calm and composed, which is essential for managing your emotions effectively.

5. Build Relationships: Invest time in developing and nurturing healthy relationships by practicing effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration. Strong relationships are a cornerstone of high emotional intelligence, as they enable you to connect with others on a deeper level and create a supportive network. Always initiate small talks and casual conversations, as these are excellent relationship initiators and invaluable sources for building emotional intelligence. Engaging in light, informal interactions helps break the ice, fosters a sense of camaraderie, and opens the door for deeper, more meaningful connections. These interactions can also provide insights into others' feelings and perspectives, further enhancing your social awareness and emotional intelligence.

Interested in excelling in the era of green and technological shifts? Check out this article for more insights.

Remember, emotional intelligence is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be cultivated through mindful practice and dedication. Embrace this journey, and unlock your full potential to thrive in the evolving professional landscape.

A Book I Read: One Great Insight

While reading The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. I stumbled upon a great quote that truly put things in perspective.

he book has 33 laws of business and life

Law #2 To master it, you must create an obligation to teach it.

✅️ Publicly commit

✅️ Simplify & share "Feynman technique"

If you ask me why I started my newsletter (SustainTrend) at the beginning of this year, this quote captures it perfectly. I’m striving to deepen my understanding by sharing it, hoping to one day determine which knowledge needs to be mastered.