Interpersonal is the third area that contributes to emotional intelligence. This is about how we interact with others. Here, we examine our social graces.

These competencies make up the interpersonal area of the EQ model:

• Interpersonal relationships
• Empathy
• Social responsibility

Let’s finish with the third competency under the Interpersonal Composite and discuss Social Responsibility.

Social responsibility is most commonly integrated into company initiatives, called corporate social responsibility, but do you personally exude social responsibility?

Social responsibility is the ability to give back to others; to be helpful.

Why is it important?

Social responsibility is important in both your personal and business life. From a corporate perspective, being socially responsible demonstrates that you and your company have the ability to run a business and have a passion to improve current social issues. Personally, social responsibility improves your sense of self, your interpersonal relationships and our society.

How do you improve your social responsibility?

1. The first thing you need to do is evaluate your personal vision –who are you and where do you want to be?
2. After you define your vision, it is time to define what you see wrong in society. It is important to pick an issue that you are passionate about and want to get involved with.
3. Lastly, set a goal and make a plan. It is important to set an end goal and develop a plan to achieve it.

Have trouble coming up with ways to increase your social responsibility? Don’t worry I took the liberty and came up with a few simple activities you can do!

6 simple activities that can increase your social responsibility:

1. Reuse and recycle
2. Turn off all lights when finished
3. Reduce your shower time
4. Volunteer your time
5. Consume less
6. Donate money, clothes and/or household items

If this post has you curious and you’d like to learn more, watch my video on leading with emotional intelligence (training program available in both face-to-face and online delivery formats): Leading with Emotional Intelligence.

Join me next time as I begin to break down the fourth emotional intelligence area, Decision Making, and explore the first competency in this area, problem-solving.

Until then, take a stand, and lend a helping hand.

Learn more about emotional intelligence in my previous blogs:
• A Leader’s New Best Friend
• What’s Your Score?
• What Really Matters
• Once You Know Better, You Do Better
• Can You Express Your Feelings?
• Are You Assertive?
• Freedom = Independence
• Interpersonal Relationships – Connecting with Others
• Walking In Someone Else’s Shoes