Social Awareness – A Key Emotional Intelligence Component

Social awareness is your ability to understand and respond to the needs of others. It is about taking time to notice how your behavior is influencing others and utilizing that information to change the way you choose to interact. This will Improve your social skills and help you to gain the respect of others. Too often we only think of ourselves and our needs and do not slow down to notice how our behavior is affecting others.

There are many competencies associated with being more socially aware. For one, empathy or understanding another person’s concerns and goes a long way toward helping to improve the relationship between you. All too often we are only concerned with our needs and do not take time to pay attention and listen to others. By carefully considering what other people want you can determine if there is common ground. By communicating with them so they understand that you get what they need, you can begin to build a foundation of trust between you. Consequently, when there is not empathy or social awareness, there is a significant loss of trust.

You can also increase your social awareness by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. To develop authentic relationships where honest communication can take place you need to be more empathetic. Think of how you might feel in a similar circumstance then paraphrase what you hear the person say and add a feeling word. Do not be concerned that you will tag the wrong word, because they will correct you if you are wrong and will understand that you are really trying to recognize how they are feeling.

Next, identify the behaviors in other people that may cause you to have a negative response. You cannot change others, but you can change how you choose to react. Once again try to put yourself in their shoes then modify your behavior to try to find that common ground. If you do negatively respond take ownership for your behavior and apologize for your actions if appropriate.

Finally, find people you trust to give you honest feedback about how you interact with them. Just listen and take it in. If it is the first time you hear it, just make a note of it, but if you have heard it from 2-3 others then it is time to pay attention to the impact your behavior is having on others. Becoming more socially aware will help you to connect with others in a more intimate manner and develop healthier relationships that will serve both of you.