What do you do if your software project team lacks effective communication due to low emotional intelligence?

A poor communication strategy and a PM team with low EQ can create havoc. It should be fixed on any cost. In my experience I have seen how poor communication can become an ingredient for failure. I would recommend 1. Strong protocols to be set to record observation of the team. 2. Should created a simulated training to expose the team on the consequences of poor communication 3. Conduct sessions from time to time and create a strong feedback loop across the team 4. Find ways to evaluate emotional awareness may be through gamification, build questionnaire with the help of trained HR Psychologist. 5. Implement tools/techniques to improve interpersonal skill of the team (Self/other reporting and personality test)

I would very seriously question the presumed assessment that pointed to any team(s) under me having low EI. Additionally I would fight any further investigation and or investment of time and money into the matter. I have never been part of a organization that had the time, budget, or quite frankly the thoughtlessness to test employees for this. Entertaining this can open the door to claims of discrimination, and lawsuits. If ANY team you manage has difficulty communicating, you CLEARLY describe the issue, explain the standard in detail, set expectations and then clean house if or when necessary.

During a previous software project, I encountered firsthand the ramifications of low emotional intelligence within the team. Despite our technical prowess, miscommunications and tensions frequently arose, hindering progress. Reflecting on this, we initiated an EI assessment process. The results were eye-opening; some struggled with empathy, while others lacked self-regulation. Armed with this insight, we implemented targeted strategies, fostering a more harmonious and efficient work environment. This experience underscored the critical role emotional intelligence plays in team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of proactive assessment and tailored interventions for sustainable success.

Promote Empathy Through Team Building: Organize social events or team-building exercises that encourage team members to connect on a personal level.This can help them understand each other's strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles, fostering empathy and mutual respect. Celebrate Wins and Milestones: Publicly acknowledge and celebrate team accomplishments, big or small. This reinforces a sense of shared purpose and motivates team members to contribute their best work. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. Actively listen to their input and address them promptly. This builds trust and fosters a collaborative work environment.

Enhancing communication within a team with limited emotional intelligence is akin to navigating a maze with obscured pathways. I once found myself in such a scenario, where misunderstandings and unspoken tensions stifled productivity. Implementing structured team meetings and fostering an atmosphere of openness became paramount. Through active listening and encouraging candid dialogue, we gradually dismantled communication barriers. As trust blossomed and feedback became integral, collaboration soared. This experience underscored the transformative power of effective communication in fostering understanding and synergy within teams.