Emotionally Smart: Harnessing EI for Workplace Success

We have all heard how important emotional intelligence is in the workplace, especially for leaders. Primarily because, we are not only managing our own emotions but also the emotions of our colleagues, bosses, and direct reports.

How many times have you seen highly intelligent colleagues with extensive technical expertise and experience struggle to get things done due to conflicts or relationship issues?

When I attended the CIAC's Management Consulting Training certification led by Daniel Ord in 2008, one of the key insights I gained from the literature he provided was that in the 1960s, if you were a graduate with an engineering degree or had served in the military, you were likely to be placed in a management role at an entry-level. This made sense, as engineers and soldiers possess impeccable discipline, planning, organizing, and leadership skills. Expertise was highly valued in those days. Now, however, while expertise and experience are still important, so too is your ability to connect, relate, communicate, and adapt to people and their behaviors. Thus, having high emotional intelligence is equally as important as having a high IQ and technical expertise. According to Harvard Business Review, emotional intelligence accounts for nearly 90% of what sets high performers apart from peers with similar technical skills and knowledge.

If you and a colleague are vying for a promotion, and both of you have stellar performance and high potential, the decision may ultimately boil down to your emotional competencies.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) in leadership is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and those of the people around you, to achieve better outcomes.

According to Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and author best known for popularizing the concept of "emotional intelligence" in the mid-90s, there are 12 competencies categorized under four domains in his theory.

He further defined each of the competencies in his article, "The Twelve Competencies of Emotional Intelligence." Some of these competencies have been discussed in previous editions, but if you want to know more about the other competencies, feel free to access the link above.

Emotional Intelligence is not just about being nice or kind; it involves knowing and managing yourself, employing empathy, and cultivating relationships. It becomes increasingly important as you climb the corporate ladder. Your level of emotional intelligence will manifest when you make tough decisions, work with cross-functional units on projects, inspire and motivate your team, manage client relationships, and much more.

Now that we understand what emotional intelligence is and its importance, how do you gauge your emotional quotient?

How High is Your EQ?

I have added two assessments to gauge your emotional quotient. Both tests measure the four dimensions of emotional intelligence. As with any other tests, make sure to answer it truthfully based on how accurate the statement is for you or how you will react to a certain situation vs. answering based on what is ideally right. I always give this reminder to ensure that you get the most accurate representation of whatever tests you are taking.

Truity Assessment

https://www.truity.com/test/emotional-intelligence-test

Global Leadership Foundation

https://globalleadershipfoundation.com/geit/eitest.html

Improving Your Emotional Intelligence

Practice leads to improvement, so here are some practical exercises that you can start doing to enhance your emotional intelligence:

• Emotion Journaling: Keep a daily journal of your emotions and reactions to understand patterns.
• EI Assessments: Take an emotional intelligence assessment and work on identified areas for improvement.
• Empathy Practice: Practice empathy in daily interactions, striving to understand others' perspectives.
• Stress Management Techniques: Learn and apply stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Conflict Resolution Role-Play: Engage in role-play exercises to practice managing emotions during conflicts.

In conclusion, as you navigate the chaos and complexities of the modern workplace, the role of emotional intelligence has never been more critical. From enhancing leadership skills and fostering teamwork to navigating conflicts and driving personal growth, the impact of emotional intelligence is pervasive and profound.

As you continue to develop your emotional competencies, remember that each step forward not only enhances your professional capabilities but also enriches your personal life. Let this journey of emotional growth be one that transforms not just how you work, but how you live, relate, and lead. Embrace the challenge, harness the power of emotional intelligence, and watch as new horizons of success and fulfillment unfold before you.

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