(Part 3 of Emotional Intelligence)
Social awareness means you can understand and recognise the feelings, perspectives, and needs of others around you. So, it is about empathising with others, being aware of social dynamics, and understanding how one’s actions and words affect others. It involves observing and understanding social cues, such as body language and tone of voice, and responding appropriately in different social situations. Like self-awareness, social awareness is critical to emotional intelligence and essential for building positive relationships, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork. Furthermore, it is vital for personal and career success, as it allows you to connect with others, build trust, and handle complex social interactions.
“Social awareness calls us to be mindful of our impact on others, to listen with an open heart, and to respond with empathy and compassion.” – Thich Nhat Hanh.
So, becoming socially aware, for instance, can mean:
- You’re at a party with a group of friends, and you notice one of your friends standing alone in the corner, looking uncomfortable. You approach them and start a conversation to help them feel more included.
- You’re meeting with your colleagues and notice that one of your coworkers seems frustrated and agitated. So you pick up on their mood and enquire if there’s anything you can do to help or if they want to talk.
- You’re at a family gathering and notice that one of your relatives is visibly upset. So you take them aside and ask if they want to talk privately or need space.
- You’re on a group project at school, and you notice that one of your team members seems struggling to keep up. So you offer to help them with their part of the project or offer to work on it together.
- You’re walking down the street and see an older person struggling to carry groceries. You offer to help them carry their bags.
- You’re in class and notice that one of your classmates is having trouble understanding the material. So you offer to study with them or help explain the concepts.
- You’re at a restaurant and see a family with young children struggling to keep them entertained. So you offer to play a game or make silly faces to help the kids feel more at ease.
- At a party, you notice someone getting too drunk or misbehaving. So you discreetly check on them and ensure they have a safe way home.
- You’re in a group discussion and notice one person dominating the conversation. So you encourage others to share their thoughts and make sure everyone has a chance to speak.
- You learn about social norms and expectations. What are the norms and expectations for your culture, social group, and school? Understanding these norms and expectations can help you manage social situations effectively.
In all of these examples, being socially aware means paying attention and responding to the people around you in ways that show you understand and care about their needs and feelings.
“When we expand our awareness to encompass the experiences and perspectives of others, we unlock the true potential for collective growth and transformation.” – Pema Chödrön.
Social awareness and relationship management are closely related concepts but have some key differences. Social awareness refers to the specific abilities and behaviours that enable individuals to communicate effectively, interact with others, and build relationships. They include active listening, empathy, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and nonverbal communication. Social skills are focused on the interpersonal aspects of interaction and are essential for initiating and maintaining positive connections with others. So, social awareness is a foundational component of relationship management.
“Social awareness is not just an act of observation; it is an act of active engagement, a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.” – Terry Tempest Williams.
On the other hand, relationship management involves a broader perspective that goes beyond individual skills. It refers to the overall process of building, maintaining, and nurturing relationships with others over time. Relationship management includes trust-building, mutual understanding, effective communication, conflict resolution, and adaptability. It requires a combination of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and a proactive approach to maintaining healthy relationships.
“Social awareness is the compass that guides us to recognize and address the social injustices that exist, inspiring us to strive for a more equitable and inclusive world.” – Michelle Obama.
In summary, social awareness refers to the specific abilities and behaviours used in social interactions, whereas relationship management consists of a broader set of skills and strategies for building and maintaining positive and healthy relationships with others.
“The measure of our social progress is not solely in material advancements, but in how we uplift the marginalized, empower the oppressed, and foster a sense of belonging for all.” – Desmond Tutu.