HR Connect with Upali Rathnayake

        EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)

Introduction

The technical talents that got you your first promotion may not get you your next. If you want to be a leader, there is an emotional component you must consider. It is what allows you to effectively coach teams, handle stress, provide feedback, and work with others.

It's known as emotional intelligence, and it accounts for roughly 90% of what distinguishes exceptional performers from colleagues with identical technical skills and knowledge – Lauren L, (2023)

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to recognize and influence the emotions of those around you, as well as comprehend and regulate your own emotions. - Mayer J, Slovey P, (1990) & Golemanv D. 

"The most effective leaders share one critical characteristic: they all have a high level of emotional intelligence. It's not that intelligence and technical abilities are unimportant. They are important, yet they are entry-level criteria for executive roles"  - HRD

04 Component of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is commonly divided into four main competencies:

1.       Self-awareness

2.       Self-management

3.       Social awareness

4.       Relationship management

 

Benefits of emotional intelligence

1. It allows for better teamwork

Teams with emotionally intelligent members are great at working together. They have good communication, trust each other, and value each other’s input. When someone makes a suggestion, they’re able to respond in a positive and productive way.

2. You can deal with change

Not many people like change, but Emotional intelligence gives you the tools you need to deal with any change that comes your way. In the workplace, many people often face change with a negative attitude and crossed arms; but an emotionally intelligent person will be much more positive and can inspire other team members to feel the same way.

3. You can handle those tough conversations

Whether it’s an angry customer or an upset employee, difficult conversations can stir up all sorts of emotions. If you have the right skills, you can handle those conversations by emotionally connecting with the other person before finding a resolution.

4. It’s an essential people skill

Emotional intelligence allows you to quickly build trust with people, as well as rapport. You’ll be able to understand their feelings and empathize with them – fantastic for any role that involves working in teams!

5. It’s a key feature of a strong leader

Great leaders understand people; they know how they work, how to influence them, and how to inspire them. Emotional intelligence will help you to achieve this understanding in order to be a brilliant leader and guide your team in the right direction.

 

References,

·         Harvard Business School online, Business insights, 03^rd April 2019

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/emotional-intelligence-in-leadership#:~:text=Emotional%20intelligence%20is%20defined%20as,popularized%20by%20psychologist%20Daniel%20Goleman.

·         How to Improve your Emotional Intelligence (for career success) | Shadé Zahrai

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vetoRA3WUA 

·         https://www.the-centre.co.uk/blog/post/five_benefits_of_emotional_intelligence