When you master being aware of your emotions and the emotions of others, you can connect and empathize with peers.
by BY MARCEL SCHWANTES, INC. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AND FOUNDER, LEADERSHIP FROM THE CORE@MARCELSCHWANTES
For INC.
Photo: Getty Images
When it comes to leadership and work effectiveness, emotional intelligence (EQ) can matter as much, if not more, than IQ. It can also matter most when it comes to building relationships and connecting with others.
A tall order for many. Still, when you master being aware of your emotions and the emotions of others, you can connect and empathize with peers and co-workers much more cohesively to reach solutions faster.

Like many things in life, increasing your emotional intelligence and becoming a more effective human being takes practice. You can start by applying these six useful tricks.

1. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes

Good leaders think about their colleagues’ circumstances, understand their challenges and frustrations, and know that those emotions are every bit as real as their own. This helps develop perspective and opens team members to helping one another. A true recipe for success.