[Reading Record -124] 100 Ways to Enhance Emotional Intelligence
EQ is essential for maximizing IQ
In the modern business scene, a person's high intelligence (IQ) is often evaluated. However, no matter how excellent one's intelligence may be, if one is trapped in feelings of frustration or anger, one cannot demonstrate their true potential.
This is where emotional intelligence (EQ) becomes important.
EQ is the ability to recognize, understand, and appropriately manage and regulate one's own and others' emotions and is considered an indicator of high-level relationship building, communication, and leadership.
In other words, to fully utilize the high IQ (you were born with), you also need a high EQ.
Structural differences between hardware and software
EQ can be updated postnatally through a mechanism called "neuroplasticity." This is because the brain's neural network flexibly rewires itself through new experiences and the repetition of actions.
It was once said that "an adult's brain does not change," but recent brain science has proven that (with appropriate awareness and training) new neural circuits can continue to be physically created even in an adult's brain. This is due to the structural difference between IQ and EQ.
IQ is the ability to process new information quickly (fluid intelligence). It is positioned like the brain's "hardware", and its physical wiring (neural network) is almost fixed by the late teens, making it difficult to build new networks after becoming an adult.
On the other hand, EQ is positioned like the brain's "software". It is possible to increase new software through the accumulation of human experience and wisdom (crystallized intelligence).
"Four Abilities" and "Three Steps"
The author of this book, "100 Ways to Enhance Emotional Intelligence," Katsumasa Kaku, defines EQ as four intellectual abilities: identifying, using, understanding, and regulating emotions.
And, consciously performing the following "three steps" = questioning your current state and trying new patterns of behavior to overwrite your brain's wiring is the approach to polishing EQ after becoming an adult. (Although 100 approaches are written in this book, please pick up the book to see them all.)
Step 1: Introspection and Self-Control: Objectively observe your negative emotions and turn them into energy for your next action.
Step 2: Cooperation with Others: Accept differences with others, sense the emotions (behind the words spoken), and aim for mutual understanding.
Step 3: Social Contribution: Stand from the perspective of "six-way satisfaction," which adds "creator, earth, and future" to "seller, buyer, and society," and embody gratitude toward those close to you and those around you.
Let's start by questioning your own bad mood
You may get frustrated by unexpected trouble. However, instead of exploding with that frustration, it is important to stop for a moment and notice the noise in your heart.
Carefully examining your behavioral options one by one and identifying and adjusting your emotions is the way to rewrite your brain's circuits (crystallized intelligence).
Yes, the noise in your heart might become the trigger for nurturing your EQ.
Reference Links
・Japan Learning Co., Ltd. Official Website
EQ COLLEGE Official Website
Amazon 'How to Enhance Emotional Intelligence' Book Introduction Page