The final component we’ll cover on emotional intelligence is social awareness.

Socially aware individuals are able to read and interpret other people’s emotions, often through non-verbal cues.

In order to be socially aware, Daniel Goleman says these competencies are necessary:

Empathy: You pay full attention to the other person and take time to understand what they are saying and how they are feeling. You always try to put yourself in other people’s shoes in a meaningful way.

Organizational awareness: You can easily read the emotional currents and dynamics within a group or organization.

The components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness) combine to equip high performing recruiters and hiring managers to excel beyond their peers.

If you’re lacking in any of these areas, here’s some good news and encouragement from Dr. Goleman:

Emotional intelligence competencies are learned – and can be improved at any point in life.

But first you have to be motivated – ask yourself if you really care.

Then you need a well-structured learning situation where you have a clear picture of what you want to improve and can practice specific behaviors that will help you enhance the targeted competence.

I know this may seem tedious, but initiating these types of changes pays big dividends.