Leveraging Emotional Intelligence At Workplace

Daniel Goleman, who has authored some of the most popular work on leveraging emotional intelligence at workplace, suggests that emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage emotions – one’s own, and those of others. Emotional intelligence (EI) can be defined as the ability to recognize one’s own emotions, to regulate them in the right direction and to communicate effectively with others, so as to establish and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Organizational Success

When we think of emotional intelligence in these terms, and consider the factors that determine the success of an organization, we begin to understand the important role that emotional intelligence (EQ) plays in success. Thus, in this article we are going to discuss about emotional intelligence for success at work.

Emotional Intelligence as the Key to Success

Being aware of our own emotions can contribute to improved self-confidence, as any experienced employee shall be and confidence is the key to success. The ability to regulate our own emotions helps improve perceptions of our trustworthiness and integrity, both incredibly important factors that determine the success of an organization.

Understanding our own emotions and those of others helps us display more empathy, helping us to ask wiser questions, suggest better solutions, and handle objections more effectively. All these are indicative of the role of emotional intelligence for success at work.

Components of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is comprised of five main components: self-awareness, self-regulation, interpersonal skills, empathy and motivation. Emotional intelligence as a whole can be defined as the ability to know oneself and perceive one’s emotions, express oneself assertively and independently, have mutually satisfying and healthy relationships with others, make decisions that serve a purpose or hold meaning, and manage daily stress well while facing the future with optimism. Thus, an emotionally intelligent person is someone who both lives, and works well.

The Leader’s Role in Evolving Emotional Intelligence

The task of a leader within an organization is to make it his goal to evolve the company’s emotional intelligence. Leveraging emotional intelligence at workplace teams are healthier, better at communication and more productive. They work toward goals with enthusiasm, hard work and focus, and have stronger relationships among teammates. Therefore, through emotional intelligence, a company succeeds and employee retention soars.

The role of emotional intelligence for success at work may be indicated by the following –

• High turnover rate.
• Less stress-induced sickness prevalent in the workplace.
• Culture of solving crisis through effective communication and not silence or ignorance.
• Mistakes are not severely punished, rather the perspective of the other person is understood.
• Select few employees are not preferred, rather all are given equal opportunities to display their strengths and abilities.
• Personal and professional development is taken seriously.
• Workplace is totally inclusive of employees from diverse backgrounds.

Improving Emotional Intelligence for Success at Work

There are many ways in which employees can improve the five crucial skills of emotional intelligence that include self-awareness, self-regulation, internal motivation, social skills, and empathy. Some of these strategies are –

• Keep track of all the emotions you’re feeling throughout the day. Notice, how do they impact the way you respond to others. Label and recognize each emotion.
• Take time to think before making any impulsive, work-related decisions. Often, emotions interfere with our ability to consider all alternatives, so keep calm and give yourself some time to think before you react.
• Develop active listening and communication skills. This involves asking questions, paying attention, and providing feedback of the conversation to the other person.
• Always view situations from the perspective of others. It is an excellent first step toward finding a common ground between two opposing viewpoints.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Focus on what you want and build motivation so as to achieve the desired results.

Conclusion

Emotional intelligence is something that has immense benefits for an organization. Emotional intelligence for success at work not only includes managing one’s own emotions, but also the emotions of others. Our own emotional wellbeing not only has benefits for us, but also for the work that we do and the relationships that we build.