5 Tips for Developing a High EQ
Buying and selling a home is an intensely emotional process for many people. Without fail, the journey always involves ups and downs and high and lows. As a real estate professional, it’s your job to help your clients navigate all of these challenges – and that means being able to tune into their feelings and reacting accordingly.
Many agents miss emotional cues, which leads to misunderstanding, miscommunication and missed opportunities to provide exceptional service. The most successful agents are those with a high emotional intelligence quotient, or EQ. This means they’re able to manage their own emotions and the emotions of their clients, expertly guide thinking and behavior and ensure a positive outcome every time.
By improving your EQ, you will deepen your connection with and understanding of your clients and improve all of your relationships. Remember, when you work by referral, strong relationships are at the heart of your business!
Here are five ways you can develop your EQ and improve your business and your life:
- Become a Master of Your Emotions.
Things can get heated during the buying and selling process. This is only natural, but it’s vital to keep your emotions in check when you encounter a bump in the road. Always think before you react. If difficulties arise and tempers flare, don’t lose your cool. Instead, ask yourself how you can help resolve the situation, not inflame it. Keeping calm during an emotionally tense situation will build a high EQ.
- Put Yourself in Your Clients’ Shoes.
Empathy is the key to emotional intelligence. In a difficult situation, reflect on how the other person might be feeling. Listen – not just to what they say, but to how they say it. What’s going on behind the scenes that might be influencing their mood or behavior? Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is a powerful way to understand their perspective and where they’re coming from.
- Develop Self-Awareness.
People who are self-aware understand that what they say and how they say it can have a powerful impact on others. Choose your words carefully. The aim is to be able to really interpret the needs of others so that you can diffuse and find a solution to a problem instead of being swept up in unnecessary drama.
- Seek Out Understanding.
No one wants to constantly be involved in conflict. As Stephen R. Covey wrote in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” When you’re having a discussion, instead of always thinking about what you’re going to say next, listen to the needs of the other person and really hear them before responding. Truly understanding others and building rapport with them begins with listening.
- Get Motivated.
When you expose yourself to motivational content, you will develop a positive mindset and build your emotional intelligence. “It’s a Good Life” podcast is a great resource to keep you motivated and help you become more emotionally in tune. Listen today and start exploring the mindsets, motivations and methodologies of success!
