What is the value of emotional intelligence at work?
Emotional intelligence (EQ) often plays a primary role in the level of success an individual achieves in his or her career. Howard Gardner, a Harvard theorist, states: "Your EQ is the level of your ability to understand other people, what motivates them and how to work cooperatively with them." These factors are vital in the workplace, especially as today's businesses expand globally and a higher emphasis is often placed on teamwork. Many of today's careers are not designed around solitary conditions.
Intelligence quotient (IQ) is important, but while acquired knowledge is valuable, the emotional maturity an individual possesses is also essential in the workplace.
Emotional intelligence defined
Emotional intelligence can be defined as an individual possessing the ability to utilize emotions to guide thinking and behavior. Two components of EQ are intrapersonal and interpersonal EQ.
Intrapersonal EQ is the way a person develops and uses individual emotional intelligence whereas interpersonal EQ is the way an individual enhances relationships with others, growing stronger communication skills and external awareness.
Role of emotions in the workplace
Emotions play a primary role in both conscious and unconscious decisions. It is often easy to be reactive instead of proactive, and in the workplace, if the wrong choice is made, this can quickly lead into a danger zone. An inability to keep emotions in check can result in problematic issues that can either harm the individual's career or tarnish the reputation of an organization.
Examples of situations where emotions can come into effect are conflict management, colleague tension, dealing with irate customers, organizational power struggles, negotiations, competition, organizational resistance to change and even coping with managers who bully.
Value of emotional intelligence
In order to attain EQ, self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, stress management and self-monitoring of behavior has to be present. Developing these qualities helps individuals become more effective and productive.
In today's workplaces, colleagues frequently have to work closely together, and individuals who do not have mature EQ may have difficulty achieving both productivity and effectiveness in the workplace. This is especially true as technology becomes more integrated into the workday and individuals must often rely on electronic communications. Electronic communications require special skills when working with others because misunderstandings easily arise and those with a healthy level of EQ can more easily navigate the consequences and avoid problematic issues in the workplace.
According to Hendries Weisinger, Ph.D., "Individuals with highly developed EQ have learned how to manage these situations in a way that maintains personal health and respects others. The key word here is learned. It is believed that EQ skills can be developed long into adulthood." Steve Bressert, Ph.D., states: "As individuals, our success and the success of the profession today depend on our ability to read other people’s signals and react appropriately to them."
Whatever the role, be it worker, assistant or manager, emotions will come into play and have a direct impact on colleagues and customers or help shape organizational culture. Members who are able to attain strong levels of emotional intelligence will be able to contribute to success. But, those who cannot reach solid EQ levels may find themselves unable to understand, empathize and negotiate with others. This can have negative effects, especially with such high global interaction in today's world.
Today's employers no longer look at just a person's experience or educational background. Employers also seek to hire individuals who are emotionally able to withstand pressures of the job and high levels of personal interaction.
