What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking in building strong customer relationships?

1 Assess your EI level

The first step to improve your EI is to know where you stand. You can use online tools, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, to measure your EI across four domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Alternatively, you can ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, or customers, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest and open to criticism, and use the results to set goals for improvement.

2 Learn from others

One of the best ways to boost your EI is to observe and learn from others who have high EI. Pay attention to how they interact with customers, how they express their emotions, how they listen and respond, and how they handle difficult situations. Try to emulate their behaviors and techniques, and ask them for advice or guidance if possible. You can also read books, articles, podcasts, or blogs that offer insights and tips on EI and customer service.

3 Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, without judging or reacting to them. Mindfulness can help you improve your EI by enhancing your self-awareness, reducing stress, and increasing your focus and attention. You can practice mindfulness by doing simple exercises, such as breathing deeply, meditating, or scanning your body. You can also apply mindfulness to your interactions with customers, by paying attention to their verbal and non-verbal cues, and by responding calmly and respectfully.

4 Seek feedback

Feedback is essential for improving your EI, as it helps you to monitor your progress and adjust your actions accordingly. You can seek feedback from your customers, by asking them to rate your service, by conducting surveys, or by following up after a purchase. You can also seek feedback from your colleagues, managers, or mentors, by asking them to observe your performance, by sharing your challenges and successes, or by requesting coaching or training. Be open to feedback, and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

5 Reflect and improve

The final tip to improve your EI is to reflect on your experiences and outcomes, and to identify areas for improvement. You can use a journal, a diary, or a log to record your interactions with customers, and to analyze your emotions, behaviors, and results. You can also use a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to evaluate your EI skills and competencies. Reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what you can do better next time. Use your reflections to create an action plan for improvement, and to track your achievements.