My chief nurse manager used emotional intelligence (EI) techniques to defuse a heated argument with a distressed patient’s family member last month. The manager actively listened and acknowledged the family member’s reasonable irritation when they approached the nurses angrily over a delay in their mother’s pain medication delivery. She explained the workflow problems that caused the delay in a relaxed, compassionate manner. Despite the family member’s extreme rage, this made them feel heard, which eventually caused them to change their position. The manager’s composed demeanor and attention to the underlying emotions eventually solved the issue (Cherry, 2022). It may have turned into a heated dispute or formal grievance if she had responded defensively or minimized their worries. One important nursing leadership characteristic is the capacity to understand, connect to, and affect people’s emotions.
I can keep developing my EI skills by using these two evidence-based strategies: First, Journaling: I take ten to fifteen minutes daily to write down my emotional highs and lows. Also, writing down any possible triggers and my behavioral reactions may help me become more self-aware on the inside over time. I regularly review diary entries for trends yielding significant, growth-promoting personal insights. Secondly, mindfulness training: Even brief (5–10 minutes per day) mindfulness meditation sessions might reinforce brain pathways involved in impulse control and mood regulation. In addition, the mental fortitude required to wait before acting is developed by actively concentrating attention on the current situation without passing judgment (Cherry, 2021). This makes it possible for replies to be more deliberate, intelligent, and in line with objectives. Research-backed mindfulness instruction is offered via apps such as Headspace.
Moreover, my ability to manage relationships and myself will improve by including mindfulness exercises and reflective writing in my leadership routine. I can interact with patients, coworkers, and disagreements more professionally and productively by consistently gaining a better knowledge of my inner emotional terrain and honing cognitive control (Cherry, 2021). Thus, the study shows that measurable improvements in emotional intelligence are achieved by integrating personal development tools.
In conclusion, the analysis has highlighted the tremendous importance of emotional intelligence in nursing leadership and patient care. I can keep honing these vital abilities by developing empathy through mindfulness training and increasing self-awareness through writing. As I formulate regular practices of self-examination and mindfulness, I anticipate managing professional relationships and obstacles with more discernment and elegance. Emotionally mature leaders can mediate disputes, reduce anxiety, and promote cooperative care teams. I want to advance toward the highest standards of patient-centered nursing excellence by focusing on personal development in impulse control and social awareness. Developing emotional intelligence skills is beneficial because of its overwhelmingly favorable effects.
I have determined that self-awareness and empathy are the two main areas where I think I can develop my emotional intelligence (EI) after reading the article “Professional Communication: How is Your EQ?” and completing the accompanying emotional intelligence (EI) self-evaluation.
According to the EI evaluation, I still need to be more self-aware. While I may have a rough idea of my emotional patterns, I sometimes have a more profound grasp of what prompts specific emotional reactions. Therefore, my self-awareness score suggests that I may only sometimes know how my emotions affect my choices, behaviors, and interpersonal interactions. In addition, I will start a daily reflection notebook to do better at this aspect of EI. I will also check in with my emotions at least twice daily in my journal: once in the morning to record my overall emotional state and pinpoint any variables impacting it. Again, I will be recording it once in the evening to consider the highs and lows of the day. The objective is frequently focusing on my emotions to raise my internal emotional awareness (Cherry, 2023). This exercise should provide insights into common reactions and emotional triggers. I want to regulate my reactionary inclinations with a more mindful knowledge of myself.
The EI exam also showed me where I might improve my empathy. Even though I usually try to see things from others’ points of view, I did poorly when empathizing with their feelings. Thus, I want to develop the everyday practice of paying close attention to others throughout exchanges to improve my empathy. We will need to pay close attention to speakers’ words, body language, facial expressions, and voice tone to discern the emotions conveyed by their communications. Besides, to learn more about the perspectives and experiences of my colleagues, I will ask more insightful follow-up questions rather than only listening to their responses (Cherry, 2021). By asking questions, I can better understand other people’s perspectives. More focused observation and in-depth investigation should support my development of more robust emotional ties and reactivity.
Furthermore, in areas where I can still develop consistent self-reflection and focus, empathic listening will help me become more emotionally intelligent. Over the following weeks and months, as I work to incorporate these activities into my daily routines, I am excited to see how my emotional abilities develop. My ability to interact carefully, cooperatively, and successfully with coworkers and circumstances will increase as I build my self-knowledge and social awareness.
Cherry, K. (2021, October 11). How emotionally intelligent are You? Emotional intelligence can play a role in life success. Let us assess your EQ. Verywell Mind.
Cherry, K. (2023, November 25). 7 Habits of Emotionally Intelligent People. Fact-checked by Sean Blackburn. Verywell Mind.