Are You Underestimating Your Own Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EI) has long been considered a crucial factor in personal and professional success. It affects how we navigate social complexities, make decisions, and regulate our emotions. But what if your perception of your emotional intelligence isn’t as accurate as you think? The truth is, there’s often a gap between what we consciously believe about ourselves (explicit self-awareness) and what is actually driving our emotions at a subconscious level (implicit self-awareness). Understanding this gap can be a game-changer in self-improvement, leadership, and relationships.
Explicit vs. Implicit Emotional Self-Awareness
Our self-perception is shaped by both explicit and implicit attitudes. Explicit emotional self-awareness refers to the emotions and traits we consciously recognize and articulate about ourselves. Implicit self-awareness, on the other hand, operates beneath our conscious awareness and often emerges in automatic behaviors and gut reactions.
For example, someone might explicitly believe they are highly empathetic because they consciously make an effort to listen and support others. However, their implicit responses—such as frustration when others express emotions—might indicate otherwise. These implicit biases and attitudes, formed through life experiences and conditioning, can reveal inconsistencies between how we see ourselves and how we actually behave.
The Openmind Approach to Emotional Intelligence
One of the most effective ways to explore this hidden dimension of emotional intelligence is through implicit psychometric tools like Openmind. Openmind uses neuroscience-driven techniques to measure both implicit and explicit attitudes, helping individuals gain a more holistic view of their emotional intelligence.
For example, Openmind might assess your responses to statements such as “I am good at handling conflict” or “I am aware of my emotions” on both an explicit level (your conscious answer) and an implicit level (your immediate, automatic reaction). If your explicit and implicit responses align, you likely have a solid grasp of your emotional intelligence. But if they diverge, it suggests you may be underestimating or overestimating certain aspects of your self-awareness.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the gap between implicit and explicit emotional intelligence is crucial because it directly influences our behaviors, relationships, and leadership abilities. Here’s how:
Improved Decision-Making – Emotional intelligence plays a key role in decision-making. If you overestimate your ability to stay calm under pressure (explicit belief), but your body responds with stress and anxiety (implicit response), you might be making decisions based on an inaccurate self-assessment.
More Authentic Relationships – Recognizing inconsistencies in how you express empathy or manage emotions can help you build stronger, more genuine relationships. If you implicitly struggle with emotional attunement, being aware of it allows you to develop strategies to improve.
Better Leadership Skills – Great leaders are self-aware. If a leader explicitly believes they are approachable but implicitly hold defensive body language or avoid conflict, their team may not experience them as open or supportive. Addressing this gap can make leadership more effective.
Bridging the Gap Between Implicit and Explicit Emotional Intelligence
Once you identify discrepancies in your emotional intelligence, you can take actionable steps to align your implicit and explicit self-awareness:
Mindfulness Practices – Engaging in mindfulness helps you become more attuned to your automatic emotional responses, bridging the gap between subconscious reactions and conscious awareness.
Feedback from Others – Asking colleagues, friends, or mentors how they perceive your emotional intelligence can highlight blind spots.
Implicit Testing – Utilizing tools like Openmind provides deeper insights into how your subconscious beliefs influence your behavior.
Self-Reflection and Journaling – Writing about your emotional responses in various situations can reveal patterns and help you become more self-aware.
Conclusion
Emotional intelligence isn’t just about what you think you know about yourself—it’s about what’s truly driving your emotions and behavior. By distinguishing between implicit and explicit self-awareness, you can develop a deeper, more authentic understanding of your emotional intelligence. Tools like Openmind offer a scientific approach to uncovering these hidden dimensions, helping you unlock your full potential in both personal and professional life.
So, are you underestimating your emotional intelligence? The answer might be more complex than you think.