Emotional Intelligence Worksheet
1. Think back on a time you were angry or upset about something at the clinical site. How did you react?
2. Describe a time when understanding someone else’s perspective helped you understand them better.
3. What motivates you when you have a job to do that you may not particularly enjoy doing?
Emotional Intelligence Worksheet
Reflecting on Emotional Reactivity at the Clinical Site:
In the clinical setting, emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in effectively managing and processing emotions, particularly during challenging situations. Thinking back on a time when I experienced anger or upset at the clinical site, I can recall an incident during my nursing rotation. A patient’s family member became highly agitated and frustrated due to a prolonged wait time for test results. Despite my best efforts to communicate and empathize with their concerns, their emotional intensity escalated, leaving me feeling upset and overwhelmed.
In response to this emotionally charged situation, I endeavored to apply emotional intelligence strategies to regulate my own emotions and respond effectively. First and foremost, I recognized and acknowledged my emotions without allowing them to override my ability to provide compassionate care. Drawing on self-awareness, I engaged in a brief moment of introspection to understand the underlying reasons for my own emotional reactivity. By identifying my triggers and personal biases, I was able to gain insight into my feelings and better manage them.
Furthermore, I exercised self-control by maintaining a composed demeanor and actively listening to the family member’s grievances. Employing active listening skills allowed me to grasp their concerns more accurately and demonstrate genuine empathy. In this way, I aimed to defuse the emotional tension and create an environment conducive to open communication and understanding.
The Power of Perspective-Taking:
Understanding someone else’s perspective is a vital aspect of emotional intelligence, fostering meaningful connections and promoting harmonious relationships. One particular instance during my social work internship stands out, wherein a client expressed frustration and resistance to engaging in therapy. Instead of resorting to frustration or feeling dejected, I recognized the significance of perspective-taking.
I took the time to put myself in the client’s shoes, considering their unique life experiences, cultural background, and personal struggles. By practicing empathy, I acknowledged the challenges they faced, which enabled me to perceive their resistance as a self-protective mechanism rather than mere defiance. Armed with this insight, I adapted my therapeutic approach, emphasizing trust-building and validating their emotions, eventually leading to a breakthrough in the therapeutic relationship.
This experience reinforced the fundamental principle of emotional intelligence: understanding others’ perspectives fosters empathy and helps build rapport, ultimately facilitating more effective communication and positive outcomes.
Intrinsic Motivation in Challenging Tasks:
The notion of intrinsic motivation becomes particularly relevant when facing tasks that may not be inherently enjoyable or exciting. During my research Helpantship, I was tasked with analyzing extensive data sets, a tedious and time-consuming endeavor that could easily lead to monotony and disinterest.
To maintain motivation, I relied on a combination of intrinsic factors. Firstly, I perceived the project’s significance, realizing that the data analysis would contribute to a broader research effort aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. Understanding the meaningful impact of my work instilled a sense of purpose and commitment, making the task more meaningful and fulfilling.
Secondly, I set challenging yet achievable goals for myself. Breaking the data analysis into manageable segments and setting incremental milestones provided a sense of accomplishment as I made progress. This approach ensured that I remained focused and engaged, even when the task became arduous.
Moreover, I nurtured an internal drive for continuous improvement. By viewing the task as an opportunity for skill development and knowledge enhancement, I transformed it into a self-directed learning experience. This intrinsic desire to grow and acquire expertise fueled my motivation, making the job more gratifying.
In summary, emotional intelligence not only plays a crucial role in handling emotionally charged situations but also empowers us to understand others better and find intrinsic motivation in challenging tasks. By cultivating emotional intelligence, individuals can elevate their personal and professional relationships and bolster their motivation in the face of adversity.
References:
Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (2016). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185-211.
Goleman, D. (2017). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam.
Daus, C. S., & Ashkanasy, N. M. (2015). The case for the ability-based model of emotional intelligence in organizational behavior. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(S1), S6-S23.
Côté, S. (2017). Emotional intelligence in organizations. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 4, 433-452.
