Emotional intelligence, sometimes referred to as EQ, refers to a person’s ability to recognize, understand, manage and reason with emotions. It is a critical ability when it comes to interpersonal communication – a hot topic not only in psychology but in the business world.
Psychologists Peter Salovey and John D Mayer, two of the leading researchers on the topic, define emotional intelligence as the ability to recognize and understand emotions in oneself and others. This ability also involves utilizing this emotional understanding to make decisions, solve problems, and communicate with others. Research indicates that emotional intelligence influences how well employees interact with their colleagues. EQ is also thought to play a role in how workers manage stress and conflict as well as overall performance on the job.
Studies have shown that employees with higher scores on measures of EQ also tend to be rated higher on measures of interpersonal functioning, leadership abilities, and stress management. Other studies have linked higher emotional intelligence with better job satisfaction as well as overall job performance. While traditional intelligence is a quality associated with leadership success, it alone is not enough. People who are successful at work aren’t just smart – they also have a strong amount of emotional intelligence.
Here are some of the reasons why Emotional Intelligence matters in the workplace:
- Emotional intelligence can lead to better business decisions.
- Emotionally intelligent employees are more likely to keep cool under pressure.
- Those with high EQ are better at resolving conflicts.
- Emotionally intelligent leaders tend to have greater empathy.
- Employees with high EQs are more likely to listen, reflect and respond to constructive criticism.
- It is linked to higher job satisfaction for those with high EQ as well as employees who work with or are managed by those with high EQ.
- It is strongly associated with job performance.
How a lack of EQ impacts the workplace
- Less understanding one’s own emotions
- Less understanding of emotions of others
- Less effective communication of ideas and emotions to others
- Inappropriate communication related behavior, such as outbursts of emotion, over-sharing, or failing to communicate important information
- Experience “Incidental emotions” surrounding decision-making. Those low in EQ may not understand how to effectively manage anxiety leading to too much risk-taking or not enough risk taking, or judgment clouded by bias.
Emotional intelligence is widely recognized as a valuable skill, and it can be improved with training and practice. While emotional skills come naturally to some people, there are things that anyone can do to help improve their ability to understand and reason with emotions. This can be particularly helpful in the workplace, where relationships and business decisions often rely on interpersonal understanding, teamwork, and communication. A leader who embodies and practices high EQ can:
- Communicate their vision more effectively
- Improve their persuasion and inspirational speaking abilities
- Ensure appropriate responses to stressful and confusing situations at work.
- Manage their own emotions and to an extent – emotions of their employees.
All this leads directly and indirectly to a more efficient, effective and productive workplace.