What do you do if your colleagues don't respond well to your emotional intelligence as a mechanical engineer?

1 Assess Reactions

When your attempts at using emotional intelligence are met with resistance, the first step is to assess the reactions of your colleagues. It's crucial to observe whether the lack of responsiveness is isolated to certain situations or is a consistent pattern. Consider the possibility that your colleagues may have different communication styles or may not be familiar with the concept of emotional intelligence. Reflect on how you present your ideas and whether your approach could be perceived as overbearing or intrusive.

2 Adapt Your Approach

Once you've assessed the situation, it's time to adapt your approach. Emotional intelligence involves not only understanding your own emotions but also being sensitive to others' feelings and communication styles. If your colleagues seem unresponsive, try adjusting your language, tone, and non-verbal cues. It might be beneficial to engage in more active listening to better understand their perspectives and to demonstrate that you value their input.

4 Build Relationships

Building strong relationships with your colleagues is essential for any engineer. Take the time to get to know your team members on a personal level. This doesn't mean prying into private matters, but rather showing genuine interest in their well-being and interests. By fostering trust and camaraderie, you create an environment where your emotional intelligence is more likely to be appreciated and reciprocated.

5 Lead by Example

Leading by example is a subtle yet effective way to demonstrate the value of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Instead of directly trying to change others' behaviors, focus on embodying the qualities of a good leader: empathy, self-awareness, and self-regulation. Your colleagues may begin to notice the positive impact of these traits on team dynamics and might be more inclined to adopt similar behaviors.

6 Continuous Learning

Finally, remember that emotional intelligence is not a static skill—it requires continuous learning and adaptation. Stay informed about best practices in communication and team management within the field of mechanical engineering. Attend workshops, read relevant literature, and consider joining professional networks to exchange ideas with peers. This commitment to ongoing development will not only enhance your EI but also demonstrate its importance to your colleagues.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?