Journalists have been urged to build their emotional intelligence and social skills so as to perform their assignments effectively.
The advice was given at the hangout held over the weekend by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, (PTCIJ) in Abuja on ‘Coping with Family and Social Psychological skills’
Steps to build emotional intelligence include the ability to resolve conflicts, effective in leading change and expertise and leading others.
To have good communication skills, collaboration and corporation, and rapport building are measures to building social skills in journalism.
Other issues discussed at the meeting are anger, mind reading, assumption and jumping into conclusion, mental health, and use of senses among others
Anger was said to be a condition and a symptom of imbalanced life which is not inherent but depends on how it is being responded to.
“ Myth of anger shouldn’t be ‘hold in’; they should not ‘assume’ what someone else is thinking or feeling, hence, avoid jumping into conclusion.”
They should embrace mental health which is the state of well-being in each individual as this will help cope with stress, realize their potentials and contribute to their communities.
Report by Rhoda Olorunfunmi
