Emotional intelligence is frequently overlooked in favor of general, cognition and logic-based intelligence but it is actually a critical component of workplace success. Emotional intelligence (or EQ) is considered the ability to recognize and understand your emotions, as well as those of other people.
With how important it is, companies are investing large amounts in professional skills training to help their employees develop these skills – and it’s clear to understand why!
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of emotional intelligence in the workplace.
How Emotional Intelligence Helps In The Workplace
Better Communication
One of the main benefits of emotional intelligence in the workplace is the way it improves communication. People with a high EQ tend to have better communication skills, both with themselves and with others.
They are able to recognize their own emotions and how they may impact behavior, and can regulate their responses better. This means their communication style becomes more effective, and they are able to convey their messages with better clarity.
Improved Teamwork
Another key benefit of emotional intelligence is improved teamwork. This is a result of having better communication with others, since it allows for better collaboration. This, in turn, allows for better productivity and more successes.
Since people with higher EQs are able to understand others’ perspectives and requirements better, they are able to build stronger relationships and work well together.
Effective Leadership
Strong emotional intelligence is also necessary for effective leadership. Leaders who are able to recognize and manage their own emotions are better able to manage their teams, build trust with their employees, and navigate difficult situations gracefully, without losing their calm.
Leaders with high EQ are also able to better understand and manage the emotions of their employees, which helps in creating a positive and supportive work environment.
Conflict Resolution
Emotional intelligence is also important for conflict resolution in the workplace. Because high EQ results in a better understanding of others’ needs and emotions, conflicts can be handled in a more positive and productive manner.
People with greater emotional intelligence are able to remain calm in difficult situations and are better able to see things from multiple perspectives. This way, they can find solutions that work for everyone involved.
Improved Customer Service
Strong emotional intelligence skills are also important for customer service. High EQ is needed to better understand the needs of the customers as well, allowing more effective and empathetic service. This can lead to greater customer satisfaction and improved business success.
Coping with Stress
You also need some degree of emotional intelligence to cope with workplace stress. Because understanding your own emotions helps you manage them better, you can stay calm and resilient when things go downhill.
This is also true when work starts to stress you out – you can keep your composure, and maintain a positive outlook, even when things become difficult.
Better Decision Making
People with high EQ are better able to make decisions that are grounded in both logic and empathy. They are able to consider the emotions and needs of others, as well as their own, when making important decisions. This leads to more thoughtful and effective decision-making in the workplace.
Increased Empathy
Emotional intelligence also helps people become more empathetic towards others. They are able to understand and relate to the emotions and experiences of their colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. This leads to more positive and productive relationships in the workplace.
Improved Creativity
A fair amount of emotional intelligence is needed to boost your creativity, because of how it lets you think outside the box. By taking into consideration multiple perspectives, you can generate new ideas that are rooted in an understanding of others’ emotions and needs. This leads to more innovation and a more dynamic workplace environment.
Greater Resilience
Being ‘emotional’ used to be considered a sign of weakness, but having high emotional intelligence actually helps develop resilience in the face of adversity. By managing your emotions, you’re able to maintain a positive outlook and find the silver lining in every situation.
This results in greater perseverance, productivity and successes.
Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
Most of us are born into circumstances that mold our emotional intelligence a certain way, but that doesn’t mean you can’t develop it later on in life. If you feel like you’re not quite in touch with your emotions the way you should be, you may want to work on it.
Fortunately, there are ways to develop your emotional intelligence, and some things you can do to help you develop it faster.
Practice Self-Awareness
Developing emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. Take the time to reflect on your own emotions and behaviors, and consider how they may impact your interactions with others.
Pay attention to your own emotional triggers and how you respond to them. This will help you to better understand yourself and manage your emotions in the workplace.
Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage your own emotions in a positive and productive way. Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, and other relaxation techniques to help you manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
This will help you to stay calm and composed in difficult situations, which is an important component of emotional intelligence.
Seek Feedback
Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others to help you identify areas for improvement. Ask the people around you for constructive feedback on your emotional intelligence skills and work to incorporate that feedback into your professional development plan.
Developing your emotional intelligence is an ongoing process that requires practice and self-reflection, but seeking out opportunities pays off in the long run – both professionally and personally.