In the past, professional success was often associated with a high IQ, or intelligence quotient, but today we understand the emotional aspect of the equation. EQ (emotional intelligence), as psychologists coined the term in the 1990s, is considered just as important, if not more so, than traditional intelligence, particularly when it comes to performance in the workplace.

In a survey conducted on the importance of EQ over IQ, employers listed these factors in order of importance:

– Employees [with high EI] are more likely to stay calm under pressure
– Employees know how to resolve conflict effectively
– Employees are empathetic to their team members and react accordingly
– Employees lead by example
– Employees tend to make more thoughtful business decisions

In the same survey, the results from HR and hiring managers found that employees with high EQ showed the following skills and abilities:

– They admit and learn from their mistakes
– They can keep emotions in check and have thoughtful discussions on tough issues
– They listen as much, or more, than they talk
– They take criticism well
– They show grace under pressure

Emotional intelligence is categorised in 4 levels:

– Perceiving emotions
– Reasoning with emotions
– Understanding emotions
– Managing emotions

According to US psychologists Peter Salovey and John D Mayer, who are regarded among the leading researchers on the topic, when you have emotional intelligence, you’re able to recognise and understand emotions in yourself and in others.

Furthermore, this ability allows you to make decisions, solve problems and communicate eectively with others – all key issues in building relationships and growing work-related performance.

So, how can you develop your emotional intelligence and have it work to your advantage?

1.) Build your self-awareness

Perceiving your emotions accurately is the first step to managing them eectively. Identify what you’re feeling and confirm to yourself that emotions are temporary, but if you react to them without thinking, the results can be permanent. Don’t allow yourself to act when you’re feeling upset or angry.

2.) Self-regulate your emotions

While temporary, emotions can be very strong and do sometimes require an outlet. However, the workplace isn’t always the right place for this. Emotionally intelligent people are disciplined and wait for the appropriate situation where they can express their feelings. They also actively tackle stress management, so they don’t bottle up their emotions, and find useful ways to respond at the moment that doesn’t compound the situation.

3.) Develop good social skills

A major component of EQ is how well you can listen to others, pick up their non-verbal communication, and use your persuasive skills to be a good leader.

4.) Put yourself in the other person’s shoes

Empathy is the ability to see the situation from someone else’s perspective, which helps a great deal when it comes to finding middle ground and good solutions to problems in the workplace. Being able to admit when you’re wrong and say you’re sorry is a good example of superior EQ, and can bridge the gap when there is a disagreement.

Bottom Line

EQ takes time to develop, and, if you remain focused on your EQ skills, will continue to grow.

If you or your loved one needs support during this time, reach out to your EAP via your toll-free number to seek counselling support.

Toll-free: 0800 000 887 (from land and mobile phones)

SMS: 32341

Email: help@workcarewellness.co.za

Written by ICAS