The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Emotional intelligence (“EQ”) is just as vital in the workplace as IQ. EQ has been touted as a critical quality in leaders and healthy cultures. Simply defined, EQ is about the way leaders can perceive and use reasoning to impact others’ emotions and can manage their own emotions. Leaders with high EQ can often understand and process nonverbal communication and use this as a guide for motivating and inspiring employees. EQ is often a determinant of how well a leader is aware of and can manage their own emotions. It helps them analyze and adjust their behavior before it becomes a problem for a colleague or a client.
I recently read ‘The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace’, published by Human Resources Director Magazine, which highlights the importance of EQ in the workplace.
The article highlights the 5 components of EQ that are critical in an effective leader:
1. Self-awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s emotions, motivations, and abilities. Having self-awareness allows one to understand the effect their emotions have on others, how they are viewed by co-workers and clients and how to accept feedback from colleagues.
2. Self-regulation
Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s impulses, adjust emotions before speaking or acting, and express themselves appropriately to create a positive effect on an audience. Self-regulation enables employees to take responsibility for their actions, adapt to change, and respond productively to others’ emotions and behaviors. Without self-regulation, emotional outbursts are likely to happen, which can affect work relationships.
3. Motivation
Motivation is about the desire and willingness to do something. Motivation gives a person an interest in learning and self-improvement as well as the will to keep going despite the challenges they face.
4. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand other people’s circumstances with related reactions and emotions. According to Daniel Goleman, a recognized expert on the subject of EQ, empathy can only be achieved once self-awareness is achieved, as people must understand themselves before understanding others.
Employees with empathy are more likely to understand and handle workplace challenges more effectively than their co-workers. In addition, it is often easier for employees to connect with a colleague who shows genuine empathy.
5. Social skills
Social skills are required for an individual to communicate and interact with other people. This skill allows people to understand nuances, jokes and sarcasm, hold meaningful conversations, maintain productive relationships, and find common ground with others.
Employees with strong social skills tend to listen, speak, resolve conflicts and connect with their colleagues on a deeper level. These employees tend to most easily gain the trust and respect of their colleagues.
You can read the original article here.