Emotional Intelligence and the Workplace
Those skilled in emotional Intelligence know that every person has good moments and bad. They understand how it feels to be frustrated or sad, but they also recognise when someone else might need some attention too - because everyone deserves our respect regardless of their moods!
Emotional Intelligence is all about being aware and able to understand your own emotions and those of others to respond effectively to create positive relationships.
But what does that have to do with the workplace? Plenty, as it turns out. In fact, Emotional Intelligence can be a significant asset in both your professional and personal life. Here's a closer look at why emotional intelligence matters in the workplace, why it is a critical skill for executive and personal assistants, and how you can learn to increase your Emotional Quotient (EQ) to leverage it to your advantage.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters at Work
Research has shown that people with high Emotional Intelligence are more successful in their careers than those who lack this critical skill. There are several reasons for this.
In today's workplace, having a high level of Emotional Intelligence is more important than ever. Things can easily escalate quickly with so many different personalities and egos involved in any given workday.
Those in positions of power need to be able to defuse tense situations and keep calm under pressure. Emotionally intelligent people tend to be better communicators. They're better equipped to handle difficult conversations—they can see both sides of every issue and find common ground. They're also better at problem-solving, managing stress, and navigating difficult situations. Essentially, they have all the skills that are essential for success in the workplace.
In addition, people who are emotionally intelligent are typically more successful at networking. They're better able to build relationships and develop a strong network of contacts. And when it comes to leadership positions, emotional Intelligence is absolutely critical. Leaders who can't control their emotions or understand how their actions affect others are most likely to fail.
As assistants, developing emotional intelligence is critical to your success in the workplace
Emotional Intelligence is a skill that you can learn. Start by:
Focusing on yourself and your own emotions. Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day and why you feel that way. What makes you feel angry or frustrated? What makes you feel happy or accomplished? Once you better understand your own emotions, you'll be able to recognise and understand the emotions of others more easily.
Try to see both sides of every issue. Active listening is essential. This means really paying attention when someone else is speaking and trying to understand where they're coming from instead of just waiting for your turn to speak. When you're genuinely interested in what someone has to say, they'll pick up on it—and they'll be more likely to reciprocate by listening carefully when you're talking.
Don't forget the power of positive reinforcement. Try to find the intent rather than focus on the perception when someone does something that irritates or annoys you. If you take the time to view things from their perspective, you'll find a way to understand the behaviour or action better.
Last but not least, try to be cognizant of your nonverbal communication. Again, this is something that takes practice, but it's well worth the effort. After all, nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions can tell you a lot about how someone is feeling—and they can also influence how someone else is feeling. If you want to build strong relationships with others, it's important to be aware of the message you're sending with your nonverbal communication.
Emotional Intelligence is a key ingredient for success in your personal and professional life. If you want to navigate workplace dynamics and influence with ease, start by focusing on your emotions and practising active listening and nonverbal communication. With a little effort, you can develop the emotional intelligence skills that will help you thrive in any workplace situation.
We found a great online test to determine your EQ score! It’s free and no emails are required - give it a go!