21 May

“By teaching people to tune in to their emotions with intelligence and to expand their circles of caring, we can transform organisations from the inside out and make a positive difference in our world.“

Daniel Goleman

Developing emotional intelligence skills can be key to building a successful career. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as those of others. Individuals with high emotional intelligence skills can communicate effectively, build positive relationships, and lead teams effectively. These skills can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career, as individuals with strong emotional intelligence skills can better navigate workplace challenges and work more effectively with others.

What is Emotional Intelligence

The phrase emotional intelligence was first coined in the early 1990s by two psychology researchers, Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the capacity to be aware of and manage one’s own emotions, and the emotions of others.

Managing emotions is not only incredibly important in one’s personal life, but is critical for success in the workplace. Individuals with high emotional intelligence can navigate through life’s challenges with relative ease and are better equipped to manage relationships effectively.

There are a few key components to emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Daniel Goleman popularised the concept of emotional intelligence in his 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence. He described 5 elements of emotional intelligence. Let’s take a look at each one:

• Self-awareness is the ability to recognise and understand your own emotions. Individuals who are self-aware are able to control their reactions and impulses and have a greater understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
• Self-regulation is the ability to control your emotions. People who can self-regulate effectively are able to stay calm under pressure, manage stress well, and make clearheaded decisions.
• Motivation is the desire to achieve a goal. People who are motivated set goals for themselves and strive to meet them. They also persevere through setbacks and remain focused on their goals even when things get tough.
• Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Being empathetic in the workplace is crucial for building positive relationships and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. When coworkers feel understood and heard, they are more likely to trust each other, collaborate effectively, and feel supported in their work.
• Social skills, ie the ability to effectively interact with others, is the fifth aspect of emotional intelligence. People with strong social skills are able to form good relationships. In a world of networks and collaboration, those with social skills will be more effective in producing results. By understanding self and the other, an individual with high emotional intelligence can better harness the value of a team.

Also read: 4 essential skills every professional needs to thrive in the workplace

How does it work

There are a few key things that you can do in order to develop your emotional intelligence skills. First, it is important to be aware of your own emotions and how they affect your work performance. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a step back and try to identify the root cause of those emotions. Once you know what is causing them, you can start to work on managing them in a more effective way.

It is also important to be aware of the emotions of others and how they might be affecting the work environment. If you see someone who seems to be struggling, offer them a helping hand or a listening ear. By showing empathy and concern for others, you can create a more positive work environment for everyone.

Finally, it is important to practise self-regulation. This means learning how to control your emotions so that they don’t get in the way of your work or personal life. If you find yourself getting angry or frustrated easily, take a few deep breaths and try to calm down before responding. By learning how to control your emotions, you will be better equipped to handle difficult situations at work without letting your emotions get in the way.

In the words of Salovoy and Mayer,”….emotionally intelligent individuals accurately
perceive their emotions and use integrated, sophisticated approaches to regulate
them as they proceed toward Important goals.”

Also read: How relationships matter at work: Secret for a future-ready career