Emotional Intelligence (IE) explains why brilliant people at school with very high levels of Reasoning Intelligence (IQ) cannot handle other people very well or make social contacts easily.
Daniel Goleman is the best-known researcher into the term Emotional Intelligence (EI).
What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)?
Emotional Intelligence (EI), or emotional quotient, is the ability of people to understand their own emotions and emotions of other people.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) puts much more emphasis on both understanding yourself (behaviors, actions, aspirations, goals, etc.), your responses to other people as well as understanding others and their feelings.
In a business organization refers to the ability of business managers to understand emotions of those people they work with in order to achieve better business performance.
Why is Emotional Intelligence (EI) important for business managers?
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is necessary for business managers because it crucial for both individual and organizational success. Here’s why:
1. Effective leadership. Emotions are a reality in the workplace. High Emotional Intelligence (EI) allows managers to navigate these emotions effectively. They can:
- Understand their own emotions and how they impact others: This self-awareness helps them avoid impulsive decisions and fosters trust with their team.
- Empathize with their team members: Understanding and acknowledging emotions builds stronger relationships, boosts morale, and encourages open communication.
- Motivate and inspire: Emotionally intelligent managers can rally their team by connecting with their aspirations and concerns.
- Navigate conflict constructively: They can identify brewing problems early, address them with sensitivity, and find solutions that everyone can accept.
2. Decision-making. Emotions are not just about people; they can cloud judgment. High Emotional Intelligence (EI) helps managers:
- Make rational decisions: By understanding their own biases and being aware of emotional cues, they can avoid decisions based on gut feelings or fleeting emotions.
- Consider diverse perspectives: Empathy allows them to weigh in on various viewpoints and make decisions that benefit the whole team.
- Manage stress effectively: Emotions can cloud thinking under pressure. High Emotional Intelligence (EI) helps managers stay calm and focused, leading to better decision-making even in challenging situations.
3. Performance boost. Studies consistently show a correlation between high Emotional Intelligence (EI) and:
- Increased employee engagement and retention: Emotionally intelligent managers create a positive work environment, leading to happier and more productive employees.
- Improved teamwork and collaboration: Empathy and effective communication foster a strong sense of unity and shared goals within the team.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Managers who understand and connect with customers on an emotional level can build stronger relationships and offer better customer service.
Elements of Emotional Intelligence (EI)
There are four main emotional competencies, that business managers should try to develop and improve upon, acting as a pillar supporting your overall emotional well-being and effectiveness:
- Self-awareness. Imagine yourself as a captain steering a ship. Self-awareness is your compass, helping you chart your course by understanding your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. It is not just about recognizing your feelings; it is about using that knowledge to guide your decisions and actions mindfully.
- Self-management (self-regulation). Life throws curveballs, and sometimes our emotions can run high. Self-management equips you with the skills to navigate these emotional waves effectively. It is about being able to recover quickly from stress, being trustworthy and conscientious, showing initiative and self-control.
- Social awareness (empathy). Think of social awareness as your superpower for understanding others. It is the ability to recognize emotions in others, empathize with others and appreciate diverse viewpoints. By developing social awareness, you become a better listener, communicator, and team player, fostering positive and collaborative relationships.
- Social skills. Social skills are the tools you use to interact effectively with others. They involve handling emotions in relationships well and accurately understanding different social situations as well as using social skills to persuade, negotiate and lead. By honing your social skills, you become more adept at navigating complex social situations, building trust, and leading effectively.
Can you imagine working for a manager without these emotional intelligences? It would not only not be much fun, but it would almost certainly lead to low levels of motivation, achievement and performance.
How to develop Emotional Intelligence (EI)?
Fortunately, Emotion Intelligence (EI) is not a fixed trait, but it can be cultivated and improved through various strategies. It can be developed based on a range of increasingly common forms of social experiences. Here are some approaches to consider:
1. Enhance self-awareness:
- Mindfulness & Journaling: Practice mindfulness through meditation or simply taking moments to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Keep a journal to reflect on your emotional responses in different situations and identify triggers.
- Seek feedback: Ask trusted friends or colleagues for honest feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement regarding your emotional responses and interactions.
- Personality tests: Take personality assessments like Myers-Briggs or Enneagram to better understand your personality style and potential blind spots.
2. Master self-management:
- Emotional regulation: Learn techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization to manage stress and regulate your emotions effectively.
- Positive reframing: Challenge negative thought patterns and reframe situations in a more positive light to prevent emotional escalation.
- Goal setting & Time management: Set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and manage your time effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
3. Cultivate social awareness:
- Active listening: Practice attentive listening, focusing on both verbal and nonverbal cues to understand the speaker’s emotions and perspective.
- Empathy exercises: Imagine yourself in other people’s shoes and try to understand their feelings, motivations, and needs.
- Observe interactions: Pay attention to how others interact and communicate, learning from positive and negative examples.
4. Hone social skills:
- Assertive communication: Express your needs and opinions clearly and confidently while remaining respectful of others.
- Conflict resolution skills: Learn to navigate disagreements constructively by focusing on finding solutions that work for everyone.
- Social practice: Join clubs, groups, or volunteer activities to practice your social skills and build your network.
By actively engaging with these strategies, you can enhance your Emotion Intelligence (EI) and become a more socially competent and effective individual in our diverse world.
In summary, Emotional Intelligence (EI) is much more than just ‘understanding feelings’. It is a complex set of skills that encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills.
