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What separates average performers from the highly successful in the workplace? While IQ and technical savvy certainly contribute to success, researchers and business experts agree that people with high emotional intelligence (EI) are consistently the top performers in their organizations. And unlike IQ, EI is something that you can improve with training.
Developing emotional intelligence is worth the time investment for people everywhere, but especially for forward-thinking companies who are looking to create a specific type of culture that takes an honest look at employee satisfaction, cooperation and overall wellbeing.
Emotional Intelligence is closely connected with a person’s well-being
A study recently published in the Journal of Applied Psychology¹ states that emotional intelligence can be an extremely effective factor for personal development and in hiring a perfect candidate for the job. The study also noted the following highlights:
- The more emotional intelligence skills a person has and the better those skills are, the better their work outcomes are, regardless of cognitive intelligence or personality.
- The superior ability to regulate one’s own emotions is linked to earning a slightly higher salary.
- Emotional intelligence is closely connected with a person’s well-being.
Does my company exhibit strong EI?
Sometimes it is hard to see what EI looks like in a large company with many moving pieces. To help you find emotional intelligence operating in your workplace, here are a few examples of emotionally healthy cultural habits and patterns you can look for in your own organization to highlight and encourage people to emulate.
- Petty Disagreements Don’t Make It to the Boss
- Decisions Are Made as Low down in the Organization as Possible (everyone is empowered to make decisions!)
- Leaders at Every Level Are Engaged with Employees and Themselves
So what makes up Emotional Intelligence?
Influential psychologist Daniel Goleman developed a framework of five elements that define emotional intelligence: Self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.
The great news is, anyone can raise their emotional intelligence, improve relationships, and achieve career goals. Here are a few tips to get you started:
5 Ways You Can Start Improving your Emotional Intelligence Skills
Self-Awareness
To increase self-awareness, learn about mindfulness. This involves focusing on the present moment – including how you’re feeling. Keep a journal in which you write about and analyze the emotional situations you experience from day to day.
You also need to understand your strengths and weaknesses to build self-awareness. Do a personal SWOT analysis, and ask for feedback from your boss, friends, and trusted colleagues to find out how you can improve further.
Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is about staying in control. To develop your skills in this area, learn how to manage your emotions effectively.
If you often get angry, note what triggers this feeling, and think about why this happens. Use techniques such as deep breathing to calm yourself down, and give yourself time to pause before you respond to emails or requests, so that you don’t say something that you’ll later regret.
Motivation
Boost your motivation levels by developing self-discipline , and by looking for and celebrating small wins – simple jobs that, when you’ve completed them, give you a sense of achievement.
Also, set yourself longer-term goals. When you decide what you want to achieve, you’ll focus on what really matters to you. This can be highly motivating, especially when you connect personal goals with career-related ones.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to recognize other people’s emotions and understand their perspectives. It is often referred to as “the fundamental people skill.”
To develop empathy, start by simply thinking about other people’s viewpoints. Imagine how they may be feeling, and use active listening skills to understand them fully when they express their emotions to you. Try not to interrupt or talk about your own feelings during the conversation.
Social Skills
Even if you’re not a natural “people person,” it is possible to develop better social skills.
Work on developing trust and rapport with people and don’t shy away from negative situations. Learn how to deal with conflict effectively.
If you’re uncomfortable with social situations, work on building self-confidence. Start slowly by speaking in front of small groups, but then look for opportunities to practice your skills with larger groups.
Developing high emotional intelligence is incredibly important for a successful career. When you have high levels of emotional intelligence, you’re able to build strong working relationships and manage difficult situations more effectively. Even if you already have many of the elements of emotional intelligence, it’s important to look for opportunities to build it further. This will increase your leadership potential, and improve the quality of your relationships.
You can test your Emotional Intelligence with a free quiz developed by the Institute for Health and Human Potential here https://www.ihhp.com/free-eq-quiz/.
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