In today's connected business world, you've probably already heard about emotional intelligence, sometimes also called "emotional quotient" or "EQ." Many people treat emotional intelligence like it's all about the skill of communication. Just be a good listener and communicate in a way that makes other people feel heard, and you've got it!
But true emotional intelligence isn't about adding some nice phrases to your workplace communication. It goes far deeper than that.
The term emotional intelligence became popular in the 90s, defined as "the ability to perceive emotion, integrate emotion to facilitate thought, understand emotions, and regulate emotions to promote personal growth." As you can see, personal growth is the first result of emotional intelligence—but that's only where the benefits start.
(If you need more clarity on what emotional intelligence is, check out Exploring the Value of a High EQ.)
With ever-changing practices and behaviors in the business world today, business leaders not only need to be effective leaders, they need intrapersonal intelligence.
How does emotional intelligence change the workplace?
The importance of emotional intelligence is a growing phenomenon. Technical skills are part of any role, but emotional intelligence and leadership go hand-in-hand in the workplace. Leaders with high EI foster a more inclusive and positive organizational culture due to their ability to navigate the complexities of human behavior.
The self awareness that comes with emotional intelligence is a huge part of this. Leaders who understand and regulate their own emotions can carry self confidence without blustering, over-promising or coming off as arrogant to the people around them. They will also be more effective at motivating others, encouraging camaraderie and helping people feel seen and heard in any professional setting.
How does that work exactly?
1. Building trust and strong relationships
Leaders with interpersonal intelligence are critical players for inspiration and motivation. Leaders can create a positive work environment by building trust within the team.
Relationship management allows leaders to recognize the dynamics of emotions and actions within the organization. It also allows them to navigate complex interpersonal relationships. They understand the feelings and perspectives of others, strengthen relationships, and cultivate an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Benefits: relationship management, improved decision-making, conflict resolution
For example, a self-aware leader can recognize a situation where an employee may be struggling and provide the necessary support. This not only boosts employee morale but also their professional and technical skills and fosters loyalty and trust.
2. Communication that actually works
The success of any organization starts with a foundation of effective communication. It is the cornerstone to maintain growth. Beyond social skills, this is about understanding yourself just as much as someone else. Employees with high EI can understand and manage their own emotions well, allowing them to communicate effectively and efficiently.
The ability to connect to the feelings and emotional cues of others enables them to recognize and respond appropriately. This practice is what helps to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.
Benefits: empathy, increased trust, increased loyalty
For example, a leader can sense others' emotions. They can recognize when a colleague feels discouraged in a meeting or interaction with co-workers. In this situation, the leader will know how to address the situation appropriately and constructively, creating a comfortable environment. This builds a cohesive, collaborative environment.
3. Resolving conflict effectively
Conflicts and disagreements in the workplace are inevitable. How you handle them significantly affects the organization's overall health.
High emotional intelligence equips a leader with the skills to identify, address and respond to issues calmly and constructively. By understanding the emotions influencing the conflict, the leader can navigate a resolution with empathy and mutually beneficial solutions.
Benefits: enhanced collaboration, synergistic problem-solving, strategic decision making
Here is an example. Two co-workers are working on a project. They disagree about who should handle what. An emotionally intelligent leader will intervene to mediate the situation, taking the time to understand the issues and feelings of each team member. This approach sets the tone and direction for cohesion and collaboration within the team.
4. Engaging employee enthusiasm and effort
Engagement of employees yields more productivity, better performance, innovative contributions and commitment. Emotional intelligence is a critical player in fostering an environment that influences engagement. Employees feel understood, supported, and valued by creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
Benefits: focus and efficiency, goal achievement, increased productivity
For example, a manager who acknowledges contributions and effort by team members provides constructive feedback and celebrates the big and small wins. This type of behavior and practice creates a sense of belonging for employees. Creating an inclusive environment leads to better focus, job satisfaction, and team performance.
5. Nurturing a more ethical and resilient workplace
Today's workplaces undergo changing circumstances. Employees in these environments with greater emotional intelligence are better change agents and can adapt quickly. They can face challenges but stay calm, manage their emotions, manage stress and lead positively by maintaining focus and remaining resilient.
On top of this, the increased empathy that comes from emotional intelligence helps you truly relate to what your colleagues or employees are experiencing. If you endeavor to develop professional skills without emotional intelligence, your efforts could come across as fake, deceptive or manipulative.
Benefits: positive organizational culture, inclusive environment, ethical behavior
For example: industries such as manufacturing often experience operational changes. They often need to retool or restructure for new product development. Emotionally intelligent leaders can help employees navigate the transition by empathetically addressing concerns, reducing anxiety, fostering a sense of stability and providing open dialogue.
What does emotional intelligence look like in a leader?
Leaders with emotional intelligence are both people-oriented and task-oriented. Recognizing and understanding the importance of motivation and the well-being of the employees and team members is vital to achieving goals and enriching the organizational culture.
Here are some things that mark an emotionally-intelligent leader.
- Demonstration of empathy
- Open communication
- Honesty with both employees and higher ups
- Inclusive decision-making
As you can imagine, these behaviors inspire loyalty and trust, building a better rapport and creating a positive work environment. Emotionally intelligent leaders create an interconnected environment. Leaders with this leadership style inspire innovation, productivity, and collaboration. They demonstrate adaptability and resilience by leading by example.
What does an emotionally intelligent workplace look like?
In short, it looks exciting! A workplace exemplified by high emotional intelligence is often more inclusive and positive. An inclusive and positive environment benefits the organization and the team members, ultimately benefiting the bottom line as well.
Creating an inclusive and harmonious environment improves team dynamics and makes employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. That kind of collaborative culture enhances productivity and performance.
An inclusive culture also attracts top talent and decreases absenteeism and turnover rates. Individuals who feel respected and valued by the organization are likelier to stay with the company. This also allows employees to form stronger working relationships for increased trust and collaboration.
How can companies support more emotional intelligence?
As you can see, emotional intelligence involves too much professional skill to skip. Here are some strategies for the implementation of EI in the workplace.
Lead by example
Don't ask your employees to work on their EI unless you've committed to it yourself. Emotionally intelligent behavior from leadership will set a standard that influences the organizational culture.
Demonstrating empathy, effective communication and self-regulation sets the tone for everyone.
Offer leadership development programs
Choose leadership development programs that integrate emotional intelligence training. These options can ensure leaders are equipped with the understanding and knowledge to manage their teams effectively and efficiently.
Examples of this might also include training in how to deliver and receive honest feedback. Encouraging a culture of open communication and constructive feedback helps employees gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses, strengthening any areas for improvement. Constructive feedback and coaching encourage open dialogue for better communication.
Protect work-life balance
Valuing emotional intelligence in the workplace also means prioritizing employee well-being and work-life balance. Emotional regulation, self-awareness and understanding will take a hit under too much stress. Implement initiatives that support work-life balance.
Examples of this are mindfulness practices. Implementing mindfulness and stress-release practices, such as meditation, exercise or journaling, can enhance emotional regulation and self-awareness.
5 Ways to improve your emotional intelligence
EI is more complex than learning a batch of technical skills—but it is something you can learn.
So, how can you improve your emotional intelligence skills?
1. Practice self-awareness
Developing self-awareness habits will strengthen your ability to recognize your emotions. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, journaling or asking for feedback can bring awareness of your thoughts and practices. These internal and external reflections and perspectives can provide insight into your practices and behaviors.
2. Practice emotional regulation and stress relief
Practicing techniques such as deep breathing exercises and coping strategies can help you control stress and negative emotions.
If you tend to shove your emotions down and get on with your day, you can practice regulation through a stress-relieving activity after work. For some ideas, check out 7 Stress Relieving Activities to Keep You Calm, Cool & Collected.
3. Get out of your normal circles to gain perspective
This is probably one of the most challenging aspects of EI. But if you really want to grow, you need to seek out people and perspectives different from your own.
Volunteer work, active listening and intentional perspective-taking will help you to understand and share your feelings. Volunteer work helps to broaden your experience and understanding of other perspectives. Active listening shows interest and concern in the emotions of others. And perspective-taking puts the shoe on the other foot, presenting the opportunity to understand how someone else may feel.
4. Get training
Enroll in in-person workshops or courses focused on emotional intelligence. Take an online course that offers interactive content and structured learning platforms. An online course presents a flexible option to improve your technical and professional skills. Educate yourself by reading books and articles.
5. Get social
It's easy to de-prioritize social opportunities—especially those involving new people. Don't we all have enough going on in our lives as is? But effective communication and relationship-building really do require social awareness.
Make a point of attending social gatherings or getting out in your community. Attend a networking event and talk to new people in a professional setting. Practice building connections and gaining a richer understanding of the world through conversation.
Emotionally intelligent leaders are becoming more and more important
Emotional intelligence is a powerful asset and a critical component to sustaining success within an organization. Team dynamics, employee performance, leadership effectiveness and the overall work environment all benefit from emotional intelligence.
Investing in emotional intelligence is an essential part of building effective leaders. It is like a blueprint for organizational success.
As we can see, emotional intelligence is a skill that we need to add to our list of professional skills and personal life. I teach courses on Leadership Development (MAN 4143) and Dynamic Team Development (LDR4360) that focus on leadership skills and practices needed in today's workforce, including emotional intelligence.
These courses provide real-world applications and hands-on learning, building the professional skills needed to meet the demands of modern employers. If you've read this far, it's safe to say you are interested in the leadership skills someone needs to be a good manager or leader in their workplace.
Check out What Makes a Great Manager? 7 Qualities Needed to Lead to see some of the other important professional skills beyond EI.
Or take a look at our webinar, Emotional Intelligence: A Superpower in the Workplace, by Kaylin Helget, Assistant Vice President of Faculty Experiences at Rasmussen University!
Emotional Intelligence: A Superpower in the Workplace
