Why is it so important for leaders and entrepreneurs to develop emotional intelligence? How is the ability to control the way one feels supposed to be one of the most important assets when creating well-being as well as elevating business?

High-performers experience constant pressure, stress and the need to meet their own expectations merged with the challenge of leading their people effectively and elevating their business. This is not an easy task to deal with on a daily basis without burning out. Emotional intelligence is exactly what can help make this challenge easier.

When someone has a high EQ, they recognize and understand their emotions and are able to control them and express feelings adequately. Therefore, they can relate better to other people’s feelings and behaviors, develop empathy and meet them where they are, which is essential to great leadership. When they are able to see things for what they are and take a step back when necessary, they are less likely to get caught up in their emotions. Decisions are being made from a place of calm and clarity, and they respond intentionally to situations as opposed to reacting out of default or habit. This is of advantage in life as well as in business. Emotionally intelligent people simply are better at relating to themselves and others, which helps them grow their personal and professional relationships.

Here are four steps to increase your EQ today:

Recognize

Being aware of how you react out of habit is essential to changing it. The first step to becoming more emotionally intelligent is to observe your emotions as they appear, in the situations and conversations when they are triggered, and to then label them. Bring them from your unconscious to your conscious by stating what feelings you’re experiencing. Most people are not aware if they are feeling angry, sad, disappointed or threatened. Uncovering and labeling your feelings sets the foundation to working with them.

Reflect