What’s the Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace?

Emotional intelligence pertains to your emotional self-awareness, how you respond to your emotions, control your emotions, and engage with others. It informs how you function in a role, regardless of past work experience or industry. For that reason, it’s important to consistently seek growth in emotional intelligence.

By Timothy Mably

Although various soft skills are often highlighted as being important for jobseekers, the role of emotional intelligence in the workplace should not be understated. Hiring managers will evaluate a candidate’s demonstrated emotional intelligence in an interview, as it can be crucial to their work performance. The capacity for emotional intelligence informs work ethic, leadership skills, and professional culture.?

According to Vantage Circle , emotional intelligence is fundamental to 58% of job performance and 90% of successful workers have “above average” emotional intelligence. Similar to transferable skills like interpersonal skills , emotional intelligence is a practical part of daily life. It serves as the foundation for any soft or hard skills that a worker brings to the table.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

The term “emotional intelligence” also known as “emotional quotient” (EQ) has been broadly defined, accounting for many attributes including self-awareness, empathy, communication, and more. Ultimately, emotional intelligence pertains to our mindset and how we respond to situations based on compassion. It is both our perception and expression of emotions informed by our understanding of others.?

Similar to general logic-based intelligence, EQ is the measurement of emotion-based intelligence. During a LinkedIn Learning course, author of Mindset Matters, Gemma Leigh Roberts , says , “Whereas IQ measures a person's reasoning ability and how they use information and logic to answer questions, the measurement of emotional intelligence is completely different.”

She goes on to explain four components that make up emotional intelligence. “Firstly, being aware of emotions. Secondly, expressing emotions. Thirdly, controlling your emotions. And finally, handling relationships with others effectively.” She encapsulates emotional intelligence as “self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship development.”

Self-awareness and self-management require someone to examine themselves and understand their emotions. This process emphasizes self-control in the workplace. In contrast, social awareness and relationship development are outward expressions that result from the first two components.?

Emotional intelligence can be demonstrated in work conflicts. For example, if a team project requires a member to make a compromise they disagree with, they may have to think before they respond emotionally. The situation may require them to offer constructive criticism to convey their perspective and make sure that emotions do not get in the way of productivity.?

Why is Emotional Intelligence Important?

Emotional intelligence is crucial in a professional setting. Recognizing others’ emotions and responding with a reasonable and understanding attitude may positively or negatively impact a workplace. It is also hugely important if you are focused on growing your career.

Roberts says, “Understanding and developing your emotional intelligence is essential if you want to successfully progress in your career. Not only will you reap the rewards personally by enhancing your performance, but you'll also foster strong relationships with others, helping you to collectively achieve more.”

Leadership roles require strong emotional intelligence as such traits serve as an example for other workers to follow. This is particularly relevant in the philosophy of servant leadership which takes a selfless approach to leadership, emphasizing a manager’s service to employees. Dr. Travis Bradberry , #1 bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, says, “Emotional intelligence enables leaders to have their emotions produce the behaviors that they want, rather than being controlled by their emotions.”

The importance of emotional intelligence comes into play beginning in the hiring process. Dr. Bradberry says, “EQ is pivotal in the hiring process because you want to hire candidates that can demonstrate emotional intelligence. When EQ is factored into the hiring decision the ability to identify successful candidates goes through the roof.”

Regardless of the field or position, EQ determines the reliability of a worker over time. Employers may feel confident in a person who exhibits emotional intelligence as they are more likely to handle changes well and navigate challenges with professionalism.

How to Improve Emotional Intelligence?

There have been conflicting ideas on how emotional intelligence can be improved. Some believe it is a natural strength and others believe it is a skill gained over time. However, most people start with a sense of emotional intelligence which can be refined through experience.?

Since emotional intelligence informs your response in a variety of circumstances, it’s important to begin with self-evaluation. By understanding how you typically respond in high-stress situations, you can start to see room for improvement. Honesty is key to emotional intelligence, so awareness of your emotions and instincts is fundamental to the process.

Dr. Bradberry says, “To improve your EQ you have to get tested. Learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and adopt new behaviors a few at a time until they become habit.” Free EQ and emotional intelligence tests exist online which can provide a basis for anyone interested in improving how they manage their emotions.

As you become more attentive to your shortcomings, you will see ways to address them. If others don’t feel heard or understood by you, seek to be an active listener. Consider how you would feel with someone responding to you in the same situation. For instance, you should assume the best of others’ intentions, just as you would like for them to do with you. This empathy is at the core of emotional intelligence and will strengthen relationships with coworkers.?

Remain mindful of how you respond to situations that tend to bring out an emotional response. Although a situation may be out of your control, address it internally by seeking to control how you engage as a result.?

Emotional intelligence in the workplace is key to a healthy professional atmosphere and a successful career. As you begin to strengthen your EQ, you can lead by example and positively influence colleagues.

Top Takeaways

What is the role of emotional intelligence in the workplace?

• Emotional intelligence pertains to your emotional self-awareness, responding emotionally, controlling your emotions, and how you engage with others.
• Recognizing colleagues’ emotions and responding professionally is important for a healthy workplace.
• Hiring managers look for emotional intelligence in candidates as it informs how they will work in a role.
• You can improve your emotional intelligence by taking an online test and learning which areas you can grow in.