While emotional intelligence (EQ) is broadly understood through core competencies like self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, some frameworks and experts extend these into more specific characteristics or traits. A commonly referenced framework doesn’t specifically list “12 characteristics,” but for a comprehensive understanding,

we can expand on the foundational components to identify key characteristics often associated with high EQ…

1. Self-Awareness – Recognizing and understanding one’s emotions, strengths, limitations, values, and how they affect others.
2. Self-Regulation – The ability to control or redirect disruptive emotions and impulses and to think before acting.
3. Internal Motivation – Being driven by inner goals and values rather than external rewards, such as money or status.
4. Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, to place oneself in another’s shoes, especially in leadership and team contexts.
5. Social Skills – Proficiency in managing relationships and building networks, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Self-Confidence – A strong sense of one’s self-worth and capabilities, allowing for assertiveness in decision-making and leadership.
7. Adaptability – Flexibility in handling change, being open to new ideas, and comfortable with novel situations.
8. Conflict Management – The ability to navigate and negotiate disputes effectively, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground.
9. Achievement Orientation – Striving to improve or meet a standard of excellence, setting challenging goals, and taking calculated risks.
10. Positive Outlook – Seeing the positive in situations and people, maintaining a hopeful outlook on life, and expecting favorable outcomes.
11. Influence – The ability to persuade or convince others to gain their support or to lead them in a certain direction.
12. Teamwork and Collaboration – Working with others towards a common goal, contributing to a group effort, and being cooperative rather than competitive.

These characteristics are not exhaustive and can vary in terminology and emphasis across different EQ models and research. They provide a broad spectrum of qualities that contribute to effective personal and professional relationships and leadership. Developing these traits involves ongoing self-reflection, learning, and practice, and can significantly impact one’s ability to navigate social complexities and lead a fulfilling life.