7 Brilliant Strategies Used by Emotionally Intelligent People When Their Emotions Are Triggered

Managing conflict is something we all deal with in any workplace, family, circle of friends or other social groups. The following are some tips shared from and article posted on Inc., an online business newsletter and resource.

Managing conflict is an important skill for entrepreneurs to have in a business environment. While not always easy to do, it's vital to know how to respond to conflict in a healthy and productive way. And that takes emotional intelligence.

Research shows that emotional intelligence can be a powerful tool in managing conflict. Here are seven ways entrepreneurs and busy professionals can exercise emotional intelligence to effectively handle those difficult people under tough circumstances.

1. Use self-awareness. It's important to get perspective. As research has found, people with a high degree of emotional intelligence use self-awareness to their advantage to assess a situation, get perspective, listen without judgment, process, and hold back from reacting head-on. This means taking the time to think over the situation rationally, without drama, to arrive at other, saner conclusions.

2. Apply the six-second pause. Taking a six-second pause can also help to manage conflict. According to research, when you are frustrated or upset and before you say something harsh, taking a six-second pause can help you quickly assess the costs and benefits of your actions. Applying this consequential thinking in the moment helps you make more careful choices.

3. Avoid getting triggered. Being triggered and reacting with sarcasm or a negative comeback is the sure path to conflict and escalating drama. Instead, draw from your inner strength, see the other person as a flawed human being (just like you), extend compassion, and trust in the moment to bring a different, better outcome.

4. Show empathy. Try empathy. A person exhibiting emotional intelligence will look at the whole picture and both sides of an issue. It's having the ability to tap into someone else's feelings (as well as your own) to consider a different outcome. That takes empathy.

5. Check in with the other person. Asking the most conflict-diffusing question: "Are you OK?" can be a powerful way to manage conflict. The next time someone flies off the handle on you, try asking this question and simply listen. What comes next may surprise you. You will most likely open up the door for the other person to explain the issue behind the issue -- why they really feel the way they do.

6. Speak from the heart. Speak from your heart -- your most authentic self. Emotionally intelligent people are radically intentional about staying connected with their true selves daily, especially in relationships with others. They speak from the heart -- clearly, honestly, and intentionally -- and don't hide behind masks. In an emotionally charged situation, they'll be the first to take the blame if they've made a mistake. They model integrity and authenticity for others, making it safe for peers and co-workers who've also made mistakes to risk being open enough to say, "I messed up."

7. Be the first to apologize. In the aftermath of a conflict, it's important to take the initiative and reach out to the other person, even if you were not the one at fault. Research has shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence tend to have strong social skills and are more likely to take the first step toward reconciliation. By demonstrating humility and courage, you create an opportunity for the other person to soften and potentially reciprocate, leading to a positive resolution and the restoration of the relationship