Dr. Ross Cole, a psychiatrist from Harvard, delves into the concept of emotional intelligence in his article. Emotional intelligence refers to an individual’s capacity to accurately perceive and assess human emotions, both within oneself and others.

This ability empowers individuals to comprehend the psychology of others, positively influence them, interpret non-verbal cues, and build stronger personal and professional relationships.

To evaluate one’s emotional intelligence, Dr. Cole suggests considering certain statements that may indicate a low level of this skill.

For instance, individuals who claim, “I don’t change, this is who I am!” demonstrate a resistance to change, signaling low emotional intelligence. While holding strong convictions is crucial, openness to new possibilities and personal development is equally important.

Another red flag is when someone declares indifference to others’ feelings, especially in a crisis. Ignoring others’ emotions indicates a lack of empathy and emotional intelligence.

Dr. Cole emphasizes the importance of expressing empathy, offering assistance, and apologizing during challenging times.

Harshly reprimanding others immediately after a mistake is another behavior at odds with emotional intelligence. Instead, individuals should seek understanding, explore reasons behind actions, and focus on the other person’s life experience. Using language like, “I want to hear your point of view,” fosters a more emotionally intelligent approach.

Refusing to forgive others and failing to empathize by putting oneself in another person’s shoes are also indicators of low emotional intelligence. Accusing others of having irrational or extreme feelings without attempting to understand and address them gently reflects a lack of empathy.

While these tips may seem challenging, they underscore the importance of valuing human perspectives, listening to others, understanding their emotions, and avoiding judgment.

Dr. Cole acknowledges that these traits are often associated with advanced societies but encourages individuals to learn and apply them, especially since formal curricula often fall short in teaching these moral subjects.

e-mail: [email protected]

By Ahmad alsarraf