Emotional Intelligence In The Workplace

Written by CoAdvantage | Aug 7, 2023 4:13:12 PM

Employers are increasingly seeking individuals with emotional intelligence. In 1990, two Yale psychologists, John D. Mayer, and Peter Salovey, developed the concept of emotional intelligence. Author Daniel Goleman made it famous through his 1995 best-seller Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.

EI or EQ (Emotional Quotient, similar to IQ) is another name for it. Throughout this blog, we will use both terms to discuss the influence of emotional intelligence.

Why does it matter?

Mark Craemer, author of "Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace," highlights the significant impact of EI in various professional aspects. Handling conflict, setbacks, providing support during difficult times, and effective negotiation all depend on EQ. Craemer emphasizes, that possessing a high EI enables individuals to excel in their roles, earn promotions, and thrive in the workplace.

He’s right: emotional intelligence clearly makes a difference.

Emotionally intelligent workers understand and respond to the feelings of others, effectively managing conflict and promoting positive outcomes. That can help foster workplace harmony and increase productivity and performance levels.

The results also include increased customer loyalty when compared to other businesses. Empathy matters not only to customers but also to employees. A HubSpot survey revealed that 82% of workers would consider leaving their current job to join a more empathetic company.

To find emotionally intelligent candidates and applicants, companies can use several tools in their recruitment and hiring processes:

Pre-employment assessments:

Psychologists have created assessments for employers to gain deeper insights into candidates' personalities and skills. These assessments aid hiring managers in making informed decisions during the hiring process. One word of warning: don’t become over-reliant on these assessments in making hiring decisions. They represent just one element of a broader picture.

Behavioral interview questions:

Asking candidates to reflect on their past experiences can help you gauge their EI. For instance, ask the candidate to share an instance of how they managed a difficult situation with coworkers or managers. Look for indicators that they were attuned and responsive to the psychological dimensions of the situation.

Reference checks:

People with this type of emotional intelligence are more likely to interact with their coworkers positively. Therefore, asking former or current colleagues or leaders who have worked closely with the candidate to provide input can be helpful.

Training for Emotional Intelligence

The modern workplace is fast-paced and dynamic, making EI a critical skill. Providing Emotional Intelligence training to employees is crucial for fostering healthy relationships, effective leadership, and overall workplace success. Companies highly value EI training as it helps employees understand and manage emotions, navigate social dynamics, and build resilience. This section explores some effective methods to enhance emotional intelligence in the workplace.

EI training is more than just a trend; it's a strategic investment in the workforce. Studies show that higher EI equips individuals to handle challenges, build strong teams, and manage stress effectively. By offering EI training, companies can boost morale, job satisfaction, and overall performance.

Ways to Improve EI in The Workplace

Emotional Self-Awareness

Encourage employees to reflect on their emotions and reactions in different situations. This heightened self-awareness lays the groundwork for improving Emotional Intelligence.

Active Listening

Train employees to actively listen and empathize with their colleagues. This fosters understanding, reduces confusion, and promotes a more collaborative work environment.

Recognize and Manage Emotions

Teach techniques to recognize and manage emotions in oneself and others. This helps handle conflicts positively and respond better to challenges.

Develop Empathy

Promote empathy as a core value within the business. Encourage employees to put themselves in others' shoes to better understand their perspectives and experiences.

Stress Management

Offer resources and training to manage stress effectively. A resilient workforce can better cope with stressors and maintain emotional balance.

Conflict Resolution

Equip employees with conflict resolution skills, emphasizing the importance of addressing conflicts promptly and constructively for a positive workplace atmosphere.

Encourage Feedback and Learning

Create a culture that encourages feedback and continuous learning. This promotes growth, self-improvement, and the development of Emotional Intelligence.

By including EI training in the workplace, companies can enable their employees to thrive in an emotionally intelligent environment. Advocate for this crucial skill set and pave the way for a more empathetic and successful workforce.

Key Takeaways

Emotional Intelligence is essential in today's workplace. Having high EI helps individuals succeed in resolving conflicts, being resilient, providing support, and negotiating effectively, leading to career growth.

Companies that prioritize emotional intelligence during hiring and promotions experience higher employee engagement, a positive workplace culture, and overall success. Emotionally intelligent workers build strong relationships, manage stress well, and demonstrate empathy, which results in increased customer loyalty.

Businesses invest in EI training to equip employees with emotion management, social skills, and resilience, boosting job satisfaction, morale, and performance. Encouraging emotional self-awareness, active listening, empathy, clear communication, stress management, and conflict resolution contributes to enhancing EI. Fostering a culture of continuous learning also plays an important role in improving EI.

Promoting Emotional Intelligence is a strategic investment in cultivating an empathetic and successful workforce. Promoting this essential skill set creates a harmonious work environment, enhancing productivity, teamwork, and employee well-being. This benefits both individuals and the company as a whole.

Looking to identify emotionally intelligent candidates for your business? CoAdvantage offers the tools and expertise to help you find and nurture talent with high emotional intelligence (EI or EQ). Enhance your workplace culture, improve productivity, and foster positive relationships with our recruitment and training solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed.

View full post