Newsletter No. 124

Quick Reads

quick read — Emotional intelligence

The Power of Active Listening in Emotional Intelligence: Paying Attention to What’s Said—and What’s Not

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is often defined as the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. While this might sound straightforward, truly mastering EQ requires deep, nuanced skills—especially when it comes to communication. One of the most vital aspects of EQ is active listening, a skill that involves not only hearing what someone says but also interpreting the meaning behind their words and the emotions they might not be expressing directly.

Active listening goes beyond just listening to words; it involves paying attention to non-verbal cues, understanding the context, and being mindful of what isn’t being said. When we combine active listening with EQ, we become better at connecting with others, detecting hidden emotions, and responding in ways that show empathy and build trust. In this article, we’ll explore how active listening and EQ are interconnected, why non-verbal communication is essential, and the techniques you can use to become a better listener.