The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in The Workplace

emotional intelligence in the workplace, The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in The Workplace

“When It Comes to Success at Work, EQ Eats IQ for Breakfast” – Chris Myers, Forbes June 2018

Among all the positive traits effective leaders bring to the workplace, research has revealed that our emotional intelligence in the workplace (EI) is more reliable in predicting overall success than our intelligence quotient (IQ). It is a critical ability when it comes to interpersonal communication and it is a hot topic not only in psychology but in the business world as well.

If you’ve heard a lot about emotional intelligence but you’re not sure what the hype is, or if you know what it is but doesn’t see how it really applies in the workplace, tune in to this podcast episode to find out why emotional intelligence is such a valued workplace skill now!

 

The birth of the term “Emotional Intelligence” (EQ) served as a missing link in the shocking finding that people with average IQ but high EQ perform better than those with higher IQs but lower EQ. People with high levels of emotional intelligence in the workplace are able to foster stronger relationships, have greater career success and more effective leadership skills.

 

According to Daniel Goleman, there are 4 key attributes of emotional intelligence

 

1) Self-awareness

emotional intelligence in the workplace, The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in The Workplace

Understanding how one’s emotions, emotional triggers, strengths, weaknesses, motives, values, and goals affect one’s thoughts and behavior is known as self-awareness.

Take the time to check in with yourself and look into possible causes if, for instance, you’re feeling worried, irritated, uninspired, or deflated in your job. Labeling the emotion and understanding its origin puts you in a much better position to deal with the situation and take the necessary action, such as offering to take on additional work that might inspire you or coming up with constructive methods to handle a problematic coworker.

 

2) Self-management

emotional intelligence in the workplace, The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in The Workplace

Self-management, which builds on self-awareness, is the capacity to control one’s emotions. Even people with high EQs occasionally encounter unpleasant moods, impulsive behaviors, and negative emotions like stress and rage. Self-management is the capacity to master these emotions rather than allowing them to master you.

This might entail holding off on responding to tense or hostile situations. If you choose to wait to respond to that irate email or phone call, you will be able to do it deliberately and rationally as opposed to hastily. In addition to having a negative impact on those around you, bad emotions and impulsive behavior can also be detrimental to your own welfare.

 

3) Social awareness

Emotional intelligence in the workplace

Social awareness enables you to recognize and interpret the mainly nonverbal cues others are constantly using to communicate with you. These cues let you know how others are really feeling, how their emotional state is changing from moment to moment, and what’s truly important to them.

When groups of people send out similar nonverbal cues, you’re able to read and understand the power dynamics and shared emotional experiences of the group. In short, you’re empathetic and socially comfortable.

 

4) Relationship management

emotional intelligence in the workplace, The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in The Workplace

Relationship management is largely dependent on one’s capacity to develop true relationships with, and respect from, coworkers. This has more to do with trusting and being trusted in a team than just the cliché of a trust fall during a team-building exercise.

A manager with exceptional relationship management abilities can motivate, direct, and develop their team members, which has a significant impact on the effectiveness and output of the team.

 

 

How to Develop Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

From the above, you can clearly see that emotional intelligence is about managing own self and managing others.

Understanding yourself along with your own emotions is the first step before talking about managing others. At times you may have uncontrollable emotions, you feel demotivated, frustrated, or even anger when things go wrong. An emotional agility workshop is one of the best ways to approach these emotions in a mindful, values-driven, and productive way. You will hone your skills of transforming your negative emotions from a potentially destructive force to a meaningful constructive asset while you gain a new understanding of your own and others’ feelings which improves your relationships.

Maintaining good relationships with people is not easy especially when you are dealing with challenging situations and people. You will need to understand what triggers their negative behaviours and how you can influence their behavioural change. People only seem difficult because you lack the skills of an appropriate communication style and it is imperative that you are equipped with the essential skills to manage different groups of people.

Aventis offers a variety of emotional intelligence courses. To find out more details about the engaging workshops, click here:

 

 

Sources:

Why emotional intelligence makes you more successful