Emotional Intelligence At Work

Author: Michelle Mamerto

Emotional intelligence (EQ or EI,) is the ability to identify and recognize one’s emotions, and those of others. People who have emotional intelligence can motivate themselves, and maintain a positive outlook. They can manage their emotions through difficult situations, build and manage relationships, communicate, resolve conflicts, are able to understand others’ feelings, and empathize with them. Emotional intelligence is important for success both personally and at work. Having a high EQ helps people become excellent leaders and team players. Emotionally intelligent people are able to effective with solving problems, are resilient, and are can adapt to change well.

Here are a few ways having a high EQ helps at work:

Improved communication:

Emotionally intelligent employees understand how to handle negative emotions, and are able to manage conflicts, and bring out positive outcomes. They are able to identify the emotions they are feeling, and are able to manage their actions, and handle situations with a calm, and clear head. For example, if an employee with a high EQ is able to regulate their emotions and not act impulsively to conflict, they are able to think before they act, instead of acting impulsively. They are also able to reduce the intensity of their emotions, so as not to add to the conflict. 

Build better relationships:

If an employee has low emotional intelligence, that person may have a difficult time being a team player. They might not listen, may get into arguments, or refuse to take accountability for their errors. This harms team communication, hurts morale of the group, and damages trust from team members.

Improved performance:

Employees who have high emotional intelligence have better relationships with clients, co-workers, and managers. They are able to take constructive criticism, and instead of focusing on what went wrong, they work on making changes, and improving. They know how to manage stress, and are more engaged at work.

Emotional intelligence is a skill set that affects how we interact with ourselves, and with others, helping to shape our lives. Being able to identify and understand our emotions, and being able to manage how we feel, can lead to better communication, relationships, more engagement and trust and work, and better conflict resolution. This skill set helps an employee become a valuable member of the team.