What do you do if your emotional intelligence is hindering patient connections?

It's important to acknowledge that we're all human, and it's okay to have moments where emotional intelligence might feel challenging. Beating yourself up over it won't help. Instead, practice self-compassion. For instance, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with empathy, remind yourself that it's natural to care deeply for your patients, but it's also essential to maintain a balance.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and understand other people's emotions and moods, and one's own emotional state. A healthcare provider's personal feelings or mood can influence how they perceive others, and their upbringing may have a negative impact on this. While therapy is an option for those experiencing emotional issues, it is not always necessary. It is crucial to understand emotions, be kind to oneself, and recognize that every day is different. As a human in healthcare, it is important to regularly assess oneself and practice self-compassion.

I agree that Self-Compassion is key for EI. So don’t beat yourself up. We all have room to grow. Acknowledge your challenges with EI and treat yourself with kindness. I know it might sounds like a cliche but self improvement it’s a journey not a destination. Acknowledge your feelings with kindness and understanding. Ask yourself, "What triggered this reaction? Is there anything I can do to manage my emotions more effectively in similar situations?" And remember that a healthy self-image fosters better interactions with others. Especially with your patients.

I believe that self-awareness is the most important part of emotional intelligence.It is important to manage my own emotions at any times. This helps me to make better decisions, big or small. Understanding myown emotions allows me to become aware of triggers, so I can gain insights on how to respond in constructive ways. Self-refelction is the key- I feel.

Balancing empathy and objectivity is hard sometimes. But you really need both of them in your relationship with your patients. You need empathy to create rapport and trust and connection but you need to remain objective in taking care of them. Truly listen to your patients, understand their concerns, and acknowledge their emotions. But maintain your professional boundaries and avoid letting your own emotions cloud your judgment.

Empathy is a beautiful trait in healthcare, but too much of it can cloud your judgment. Similarly, being overly objective can make you seem detached. Aim for a healthy balance between understanding your patients' emotions and maintaining a professional distance. For example, if a patient shares a difficult experience, acknowledge their feelings while also focusing on the medical facts and necessary actions.

It's okay to express emotions, but choose the time and manner carefully. Suppressing them entirely can be detrimental, but letting them run wild can be equally harmful. As you can see it’s a delicate dance. Express your emotions calmly and professionally, focusing on the situation at hand rather than personal reactions. And be careful at what triggers you.

While it's crucial to connect with patients on an emotional level, it's equally important to express your own emotions in a controlled manner. Sharing personal stories or feelings can help build rapport, but remember to do so in a way that remains professional and relevant to the patient's situation. For instance, if a patient is anxious about a procedure, sharing how you've seen similar cases go smoothly can provide reassurance without overwhelming them with your emotions.

Social skills are a cornerstone of EI. Practice active listening, giving your patients your full attention. Ask open-ended questions, and truly hear what they have to say. And pay attention to you nonverbal communication. This is also crucial. It seems that we comunicate almost 70% through nonverbal contact. Maintain eye contact, smile sincerely, and use body language that conveys warmth and openness.

Safety and having warm relationships, connection, social engagement requires having a calm balanced physiological state, When we can feel our body, truthfully and authentically, and observe and respond in an ongoing manner, we can provide safety, and we can monitor whether we are joining up with someone else. We are constantly telegraphing safety or danger to one another. So, I'm aware I need to take time to bring myself to a place, a state, at start of a conversation, then constantly check in. Just being as good as I can be, moment to moment, at being aware of how I reflect the state of my physiology to others. And for me, that involves accepting I'll never be perfect, but over time and with practice I'll get more and more skilled.

Seek continuous learning and improvement Consider workshops or therapy to further develop your EI. There's always room for growth. Reading books on communication and emotional intelligence can also provide valuable insights. And be patient and kind to yourself because building strong connections with patients takes time and effort. Embrace continuous learning, and never stop striving to improve your EI.