Emotional Intelligence and Management
On first thought, some may challenge the connections between emotional intelligence and the workplace. Emotional Intelligence is the ability and capacity for one to identify, manage, and express their emotions as well as the responses to the emotions of others. As we all spend so much of our lives at work, Emotional Intelligence can be key to successes or failures as we build interpersonal relationships which are necessary to perform. At times we will focus more on the task at hand and responding or managing our emotions can be put aside. This can lead to undue stress, conflict, job dissatisfaction, and poor work products. Acknowledging and embracing Emotional Intelligence is key to the success of both individuals and organizations.
Finding the Right Fit
Emotional Intelligence assessments can sometimes be used in the recruiting and hiring process. These tools are used to identify individuals that are more aware and adept to these needs and demands. In many cases, finding and retaining workers with a high level of emotional intelligence may be more beneficial to an organization than merely focusing on hard skills. However, assessments aren’t always necessary as many of these factors can be easily observed. When meeting with candidates there are many factors such as active listening, empathy, and overcall consideration which can be important indicators. Paying attention to these factors throughout the process can help in finding an employee that can perform with the team and grow with them.
Emotional Intelligence in Decision Making
While it may not be an obvious benefit of Emotional Intelligence, the relationship to decision making is a very important one. Levering one’s emotional intelligence can ensure that decisions are thoughtfully executed with taking necessary factors into account. Receiving and seeking input from others adds significant value to decision making, but is very difficult without being able to leverage interpersonal relationships. This aids the employee in understanding the other perspectives as well as putting an appropriate weight on the inputs. In addition, an appropriately balanced level of Emotional Intelligence helps to ensure decisions are executed in a calculated and reasoned manner.
Long Term Sustainable Workforce
An organization with a well balanced and advanced level of Emotional Intelligence has a high potential for maintaining a workforce that is loyal, connected, and sustainable. As the employees are able to build strong relationships, they form deep bonds with their peers and develop a connection to the organization. These employees may also be investing emotional equity into the workplace and feel a mutual sense of commitment and duty. In the end, a high level of Emotional Intelligence offers the opportunity for an organization to be high-performing while not only balancing and embracing the needs of the employees, but catering to their deepest needs while striving as an organization.
