Emotional Intelligence is the ability to create a balance between knowing what you don’t know and what you do know can be improved
Freelancing is tied in with building a sound one on one business association with every client you face. Unlike in full-time jobs where you have to deal with the same supervisor and colleagues every day, with independent outsourcing you need to experience distinctive clients with various expectations and levels of comprehension. Being socially, and more importantly, being emotionally intelligent helps a freelancer in building up the value of his service and maintaining the good working relationship with his clients.
Who is an Emotionally Intelligent Freelancer?
An Emotionally Intelligent Freelancer is one who has the ability to recognize his own emotions and relate to those of others. He listens without judgment and controls the way he responds to any situation. He is in charge of not only the work he does, but also of what he thinks and feels, and how he communicates with his clients.
Signs Of An Emotionally Intelligent Freelancer
- Confidence, positivity, and assertiveness
- Knowledge of what to say and how to say it
- Awareness of his strength and weakness and willingness to adjust accordingly
- Self-Motivation and Self-Evaluation
- Extraordinary communication with the ability to evaluate non-verbal cues in interpersonal interactions (for example – voice tone, gestures, use of words, etc.)
- Focus on results and self-improvement
The Building Blocks Of Emotional Intelligence
Freelancing means you have to be skilled and hardworking enough to get the job, and aware enough to maintain your success. As most freelancers believe, it is not rosy anymore when you start juggling with different client demands, financial burdens, difficult clients, demotivation (occasionally) and on top of everything, personal stressors that can pop up anytime. Keeping your calm can be a real challenge when you are dealing so many things alone.
Daniel Goleman, in his famous work on Emotional Intelligence, has emphasized with evidence that the two biggest building blocks of any good career are – Emotional Awareness and Social Intelligence. Based on his research and findings, let us discuss the 4 key building blocks that can make you an Emotionally Intelligent and mindful freelancer.
1. Awareness – Of Self And Surroundings
Every minute is a chance to act naturally mindful
Related Posts:
Emotional Self-Awareness is the ability to tune into your own feelings, internal conflicts, and perception of the world. As a freelancer, it enables to see how your feelings affect your actions. Self-Awareness will help you in finding an unmistakable comprehension of your qualities and shortcomings and enable you to address issues and handle any unforeseen future confusions. The more you practice self-awareness, the more capable and cognizant your freelancing becomes.
2. Self-Management – Emotional and Thought Control
Freelancers with higher emotional and self-control can direct themselves and remain in charge of their feelings. They think before acting and do not surge fast into accepting or rejecting proposals. Lack of emotional management lets anger assume control over your conduct at wrong circumstances. As a freelancer, it is fundamental that you hold your feelings in line because there is no one watching over you or correcting your mistakes.
3. Social Mindfulness
Being socially mindful in freelancing helps to gain insight on how you can internalize the perceptions of others – it is a primary requisite that keeps you motivated and aroused to help your clients and do your best. Goleman suggested that there are two basic components of social awareness –
- Empathy – The competency that helps to detect feelings and comprehend the point of view of others, and
- Organizational Awareness -The competency that helps to assess the dynamics of the business relationship. With organizational awareness, you can explore more opportunities and make the most out of each project that you are handling.
4. Managing Relationships
Building and maintaining a strong client relationship is the backbone of a successful freelancing career. Interpersonal conflicts with clients can potentially damage your productivity and affect your profile as a freelancer. Professionals who exceed in relationship management can quickly deal with disagreements with clients positively. They are solution-focused and use their Emotional Intelligence to nurture their relationships, both professionally and personally. And this is one of the greatest reasons why freelancers who communicate openly with clients are more likely to get long-term job offers and sustain as a successful freelancer, than others who don’t.
Cheat Sheet On Building E.I. As A Freelancer
Emotional Intelligence impacts becoming, growing, and staying a successful freelancer. It is an anecdote to success, stress-release, and self-contentment. So, start devoting time to build your Emotional Awareness as a freelancer. Read more, talk more, listen more, feel more, and make sure your clients feel rewarded to work with you.
