Lisa notices that certain colleagues consistently trigger strong negative reactions in her, even during neutral interactions. She finds herself being more critical and less collaborative with these individuals. What would emotional intelligence suggest about this pattern?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
According to the principles of Emotional Intelligence (EI):
• Self-Awareness: When strong emotional reactions occur repeatedly during neutral interactions, the root cause is usually internal rather than external.
• Such disproportionate reactions often stem from transference (directing feelings from past experiences onto present individuals) or psychological projection.
• Emotional intelligence emphasizes self-reflection to understand personal triggers and biases before reacting or judging others.
Therefore, Lisa should engage in self-examination to identify why these colleagues trigger such responses.
Hence, the correct option is (C).