Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Emotional Intelligence, also referred to as EQ (emotional intelligence quotient) is the ability to perceive, interpret, and understand one’s own emotions and those of others. In years past, importance was given to natural intelligence, IQ, as the natural predictor of one’s success in life.

However, this belief has changed over recent years thanks to research done by psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer and later explained by psychologist Daniel Goleman in his book, Emotional Intelligence: Why it Matters More than IQ. More and more companies and organizations are focusing on the importance of emotional intelligence and adopting EQ strategies for the growth and development of their employees and organizations.

Why is EQ important in the workplace?

Having high EQ is an advantage for life in general, but it’s equally important in a workplace environment, which for most of us is where we spend a large percentage of our time. Many workplace situations require colleagues to work in teams, where having high EQ helps navigate the complex interactions involved with successful teamwork.

Even in work environments that don’t require a great deal of teamwork, fostering and maintaining good working interpersonal relationships has become increasingly important, and emotional intelligence is essential to developing strong relationships.

Our ability to navigate social situations in the work environment is crucial to job longevity, career satisfaction, upward mobility, and even our mental and physical health. If work interactions are filled with misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and lack of empathy, colleagues can become frustrated and resentful, creating a toxic work environment that is detrimental to everyone’s mental and physical well-being.

Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, and the skills and behaviors that emotionally intelligent individuals practice benefit workplace relationships and environments in almost endless ways. Below are just a few examples.

Benefits of emotional intelligence in the workplace

Effective leadership

An emotionally intelligent leader can guide and develop his or her team effectively by creating a positive work environment. Their ability to be empathetic, and to motivate and inspire their teams engenders effective functioning of the organization.

Emotionally intelligent leaders create empowered and innovative spaces by understanding their own emotions and accurately reading those of the people they lead, encouraging them to make good decisions, handle conflict, and foster good relationships

Decision-making abilities

Emotional intelligence helps with the decision-making process. In the workplace, decisions are often being made on the fly. Sound decisions are made when individuals have the capacity to evaluate the facts to make rational, logical decisions without ignoring the reality that all decisions have an emotional, human component, even in the most technical environments.

Positive energy

Emotional intelligence helps people live positive lives. This doesn’t mean they fake being happy, but emotional intelligence provides the perspective to face life’s challenges with an optimistic, yet realistic, outlook. These are the people who are genuine and real, those who create a welcoming space just by being in it.

Constructive conflict resolution strategies

Conflict cannot be avoided in any workplace. Individuals with EQ, however, can effectively deal with conflict in a diplomatic and empathetic way. This does not mean they give in, but by understanding where the other party is coming from. They listen actively to learn, and they can communicate their position effectively to reach mutually beneficial solutions.

Mental and physical well-being

EQ helps individuals regulate their own emotions and be empathetic, while not becoming overwhelmed by the emotions of others. This helps in lowering stress levels which in turn means greater mental and physical health. When one truly understands their emotional functioning, they can take care of themselves by establishing and communicating boundaries, being assertive when needed, and benefiting from well-established interpersonal relationships.

Creativity and innovation

Knowing and understanding one’s emotions empowers individuals to declutter their minds so that we can be creative and innovative in a fast-changing work environment, qualities that are crucial to anyone’s professional growth.

Critical thinking

Emotionally intelligent people are more able to have clarity of thought, partially due to their ability to identify and understand their emotions and those of others, as well as the ability to self-regulate their emotions. This clarity of thought makes room for critical thinking that is not clouded by emotion, but is also fully aware of the potential of emotional bias. Being a critical thinker is crucial for strategy development and change management in the workplace.

Empathy

Being emotionally intelligent also means one can feel for others and have the ability to put themselves “in the other person’s shoes.” This is an essential ingredient in developing and maintaining workplace relationships. Regardless of their position, empathy makes them stand out because they create space for others to be heard. This positive regard by peers and superiors can be valuable in one’s professional trajectory.

Great teamwork

For any organization to function well it relies on great teamwork from its employees. Emotionally intelligent people make great teammates. By respecting their teammates, maintaining personal accountability, and being effective communicators, they promote collaboration, unity, and understanding.

Emotionally intelligent people aren’t threatened by the success of others, but rather view others’ successes as critical to the success of the team or organization and something to foster and celebrate.

Excellent customer service

Emotionally intelligent employees build strong client/customer relationships. They are better suited to deal with difficult queries, understand the needs of their clients, and know how to cater to those needs. Customer loyalty is achieved through strong relationships they develop and foster.

Effective communication

Being emotionally intelligent means one can communicate effectively. This is achieved by the ability to listen to others, be empathetic, read the room, and maintain a level head in times of conflict. Their ability to communicate is also enhanced by understanding and expressing their emotions appropriately and in the proper context.

Adaptability

In the highly volatile work environment that many of us find ourselves in, emotionally intelligent people are a real asset. Emotionally intelligent people have been noted to be flexible and better suited to lead in times of change. Their ability to manage their emotions allows them to remain calm, maintain emotional distance when necessary, and make the right decisions for themselves and others.

How does one develop emotional intelligence?

Are some people naturally born with an aptitude for emotional intelligence? Yes, most definitely, and many were raised in a family environment that was nurturing and modeled appropriate ways to express both positive and difficult emotions. But for those not fortunate enough to be raised in such a family or born with such tendencies, EQ can also be developed.

Those with a natural aptitude do have an advantage, but people who want to improve their EQ can learn and develop the skills and behaviors that define emotional intelligence, which will enhance both their personal lives as well as their careers.

It might feel daunting, but the basics of learning about and developing emotional intelligence are encompassed in the following components:

Develop self-awareness

The first step to emotional intelligence is becoming self-aware. This is one’s ability to identify, understand, and interpret their own emotions, as well as take an honest inventory of their strengths and weaknesses. To develop self-awareness, one must be open to feedback and self-improvement, monitor and identify their emotions, and strive to identify underlying root causes of their emotions and behaviors.

Practice self-regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s behavior without being directed by emotions and impulses to react. It involves awareness of your emotions and behavior and the ability to control them to achieve your goals.

Feel your emotions, and acknowledge them, yes, but allow yourself a moment to think and evaluate how to react. Practicing self-regulation might involve developing strategies like mindfulness, prayer, or meditation to help manage strong emotions and triggering situations.

Maintain a positive attitude

Are you a “glass half-full” person? Having a positive outlook is an essential element of emotional intelligence. Seeing the best in others, encouraging colleagues with a kind word or positive feedback, staying calm in stressful situations, focusing on strengths and what’s working.

These are all characteristics of a person with a positive outlook and high EQ. A positive attitude, however, does not involve ignoring the negative or dismissing others’ concerns. Being able to acknowledge difficult situations and tackle them and validate others’ differing opinions while focusing on solutions motivates others and encourages teamwork and problem-solving.

Nurture motivation

Having a sense of motivation helps emotionally intelligent people achieve their goals and find fulfillment while doing it. Building a sense of excitement in one’s work is important, but can often present a challenge.

Motivation can be cultivated through setting goals that are aligned with one’s passions, values, and purpose. Identifying your “why” not only increases motivation and the likelihood of achieving those goals, but also gaining a sense of fulfillment in the process.

Practice empathy

Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand others’ emotions by trying to see situations from their perspective and respond in ways that make others feel seen and heard. Strengthening empathy in the workplace involves being willing to listen to others, reserving judgment, and seeing situations from others’ points of view. This doesn’t require agreeing with all that’s shared but showing a genuine interest in understanding others.

Hone active listening skills

Active listening involves more than hearing what someone has to say. It involves watching for non-verbal cues to understand how they’re feeling and engaging by asking open-ended questions, nodding, paraphrasing, keeping an open mind, and maintaining eye contact. Similar to empathy, practicing active listening communicates respect and genuine interest in others, what they have to say, and how they feel.

Nurture “other-focused” eq

This article has discussed both “self-focused” and “other-focused” emotional intelligence. Self-focused EQ – understanding one’s own emotions, thoughts, motivations, and the ability to regulate them – is the foundation of developing emotional intelligence.

Other-focused EQ is the ability to use those skills to understand and interact with others, to communicate, empathize, collaborate, listen, motivate, and connect with others – to nurture relationships and to focus outside ourselves. This involves the hard work of remaining open-minded to feedback and criticism, handling conflict constructively, and at times, putting others’ interests before our own. Emotionally intelligent people value relationships and nurture them.

Let us assist you

If you feel that you would like to know more about emotional intelligence and how to develop the skill, contact our office to schedule an appointment with me. I would be happy to help you understand emotional intelligence and give you practical tools that will help you grow in this area of your life.