Bangalore: Emotional intelligence and EQ (emotional quotient) as some call it, has been much talked about since the 1990s. Basically, it amounts to self-awareness and being able to recognise and manage your own mood swings; we all have them. If you are flexible enough and able to accept others for what they are, you possess emotional intelligence to some degree. You will be able to accept your own strengths and weaknesses and consciously choose your behaviour and not be impulsive. You can read the moods of others, at a specific time and respond suitably.

Human resource managers closely test a new recruit's emotional intelligence because employees have to work in team environment and be able to react positively to others. It is essential for a good work-life balance.

An example can be deadline pressures that make a team leader particularly touchy and ready to snap. By recognising it as a passing phase, you can accept the ill temper and shrug it away.

A day or two later, when the project is completed to the satisfaction of superiors and clients, the same team leader will offer a treat to his team members, to celebrate.

While such a situation should not be taken personally, there may be times when you need to apply that personal touch. Going back to the example of a project deadline, you can react by being reassuring and letting the team leader and your colleagues know, that it can be done and with time to spare.

A few encouraging words and the team leader who was snapping at you becomes more relaxed and is willing to let the atmosphere ease up a little. You have managed to build trust in your colleagues' abilities to get things done on time.

Psychotherapists explain that similar situations prevail in homes too. The breakfast is not ready in time and you need to leave early. Instead of letting your temper flare up, you can tell your spouse that you will have an early lunch in the office canteen.

It is in the nature of life for things to go wrong sometimes but what matters is how much emotional balance you exhibit while dealing with the situation.

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