Emotional Intelligence VS. Emotional Maturity

It’s not a case of one or the other since you would need both to be adept at handling your emotions, managing them, and applying that knowhow at your workplace. That’s why you need to look closely at emotional intelligence Vs. Emotional maturity, and to take an in-depth look at the various nuances of differences between the two,

Take emotional intelligence or EI; it is now commonly accepted knowledge that every person needs to be emotionally intelligent to understand, perceive and manage their emotions. Imagine hiring a job applicant with stellar records but also one who lacks adequate EI. 

Such a person would find it hard to interact with others, even at the most basic level., They would not be able to manage their emotions, and sooner or later, this is bound to lead to discontent.

On the other hand, take a look at emotional maturity. Emotional maturity is about how well you apply the knowledge with your emotional intelligence and how adept you become at managing your emotions – at the most basic level. 

As mentioned earlier, even though the post is titled emotional intelligence Vs. Emotional maturity is not a question of one or the other, as you would require both!

  • Emotional intelligence, under the scanner:

When selecting job applicants, you need to select one who shows all indications of having the requisite emotional intelligence. Such a person should be able to perceive his emotions and even try to process them to interact with others effectively. That’s the sort of person you would need, and here are some signs you need to look for.

·   A person with adequate emotional intelligence could identify and describe what others are feeling and how they react under certain circumstances. This is handy when gauging others’ moods as you interact personally.

·   An awareness of personal strengths and limitations

·   Being emotionally intelligent means that you would also be self-confident and aware of your limitations.

·   An emotionally intelligent person will always be able to let go of past mistakes. That can sound like a mouthful, but if you are emotionally intelligent, you should be able to make peace with all your past mistakes.

·   Emotionally intelligent people often show a marked ability to accept and adapt to new changes at a moment’s notice. If you can cultivate such behavior, then consider yourself emotionally intelligent.

·   You will also display a strong sense of empathy, allowing you to sense what the other person is feeling. Empathy should enable you to gauge others’ moods, perceive changes, and even react accordingly.

·   When it comes to being emotionally intelligent, you must be able to perceive your own emotions, understand what they mean and how to react to them.

  • Emotional maturity, under the scanner:

Emotional maturity is how you process the knowhow you obtain with emotional intelligence. For example, emotional maturity should enable you to ascertain facts, review assumptions, and make an informed decision. These are some of the significant critical characteristics of emotional maturity in a person.

·   Taking responsibility: 

One of the critical characteristics of emotional maturity is when you own up to a particular action and accept responsibility for the same. Rather than let some innocent become the fall guy, you do the right thing by accepting responsibility for your actions. That’s one of the trademarks of emotions and maturity.

·   Being unafraid of changes: 

When it comes to becoming emotionally mature, you must be unafraid of sudden changes. You need to be able to adapt quickly and be unafraid of the implications or changes it can cause to your own life.

·   Owning up to mistakes: 

Another sign of emotional maturity is learning when you are in the wrong and not being afraid to own up to your mistake. Chances are that you would have made several mistakes in your life and, in the process, hurt a few people. If you feel emotionally mature, you must forgive these mistakes and apologize to the concerned individuals.

·   Recognizing and accepting help: 

When it comes to being emotionally mature, you will not hesitate to confess your vulnerability and need urgent help. Moreover, you will not hesitate to accept help when someone comes forward to offer some. That is what emotional maturity is all about.

These facts should enable you to understand the nuances between emotional intelligence and maturity. You cannot have one without the other, and you need to have both in surplus when it comes to your office. 

Chances are that you will face quite a few hurdles either at the office or in your life. And when that happens, it would be good if you were both emotionally intelligent and mature! Good luck!