Why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Matters

EQ is a top skill employers look for when hiring in the UAE. Bayt ’s survey revealed that 87% of professionals in the Middle East believe that EQ trumps IQ for career success.

Workers with strong emotional smarts are often more motivated, have better morale, and perform well as leaders. They also work better with others and are good at resolving conflicts. They’re keepers because they help organizations achieve their long-term goals.?

Daniel Goleman was on to something! His acclaimed study on the importance of EQ over IQ in work and life provided a framework for emotional intelligence.?

In this edition of Employable, we’ll break down his framework's five components of emotional intelligence and how to improve them for career success.

1. Build Yournbsp;Emotional Self-Awarenessnbsp;with the RULER framework??

Emotional awareness is recognizing and understanding your emotions for better communication and decision-making - a crucial skill for professional success. The RULER approach , developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, helps you to regulate your emotions easily, especially in high-stress situations.?

Here’s how it works:?

1. Recognize: Notice and understand your own and others' emotions. Pay attention to both words and body language.
2. Understand: Get why emotions happen. Identify reasons behind feelings and recognize patterns in how emotions play out.
3. Label: Develop a vocabulary for emotions. Express feelings accurately to boost communication and self-awareness.
4. Express: Share emotions openly and healthily.?
5. Regulate: Manage emotions effectively. Use coping strategies, stress reduction, and mindfulness for a positive work environment.

2. Schedule Time to Self-regulate with the Pomodoro Technique ??

Learning to self-regulate helps you manage and control emotions, anticipate consequences, and make thoughtful choices. This is where time management comes in very handy! It allows you to prioritize self-care during working hours to avoid burning out.?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes, separated by short breaks. The cycle is typically repeated, with longer breaks scheduled after a certain number of work intervals. This technique is designed to improve focus and productivity by encouraging sustained attention during work periods and providing brief moments of rest to prevent burnout.

In essence, it's about working with time rather than against it. The focused intervals, or "Pomodoros," help maintain concentration, while the breaks prevent mental fatigue. It's a simple yet powerful way to enhance productivity and manage your energy throughout the workday.

3. Stay motivated with the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) ??

Using emotions to drive positive outcomes, set goals, persevere through challenges, and maintain purpose is essential to driving your career success, especially in a highly competitive job market in the UAE.

The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a popular framework that helps people stay motivated in the workplace. It does so by emphasizing three psychological needs: autonomy (control over work), competence (feeling capable), and relatedness (positive connections). This creates intrinsic motivation, enhancing job satisfaction and overall well-being.?

Here’s an example of applying this theory in your actual life:?

Alex is a marketing professional who works at a dynamic agency. He is assigned a social media campaign, and Alex proposes a creative plan, gaining autonomy in decision-making.

Alex enrolls in an online course to boost competence, engaging with experienced colleagues for feedback. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, Alex initiates monthly team-building activities and actively contributes to discussions.?

Alex enhances personal motivation through autonomy, competence-building, and fosters relationships and contributes to a vibrant and collaborative workplace culture.

4. Practice Empathy with Stephen Covey’s Philosophy ????

When you understand and share others' feelings, you can foster connections and build relationships. One of the best ways to do that is to actively listen during networking or interviews to understand others' perspectives.

In applying Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood," professionals can practice empathy by prioritizing active listening and understanding others before sharing their perspectives.?

Here is an example of how to practice this tip in a workplace scenario:?

1. Active Listening: Before presenting your ideas for a new project, actively listen to your team members during the initial discussion. Pay close attention to their concerns, perspectives, and suggestions without interrupting.
2. Clarifying Questions: Ask clarifying questions to understand your colleagues' viewpoints comprehensively. This demonstrates genuine interest in their ideas and allows them to express themselves fully.
3. Empathetic Responses: Respond empathetically to your colleagues' input. Acknowledge their concerns or excitement, showing you understand and appreciate their perspectives. Use phrases like "I see where you're coming from" or "That's an interesting point."

5. Improve your Social Skills with the DISC Personality Assessment ???

Enhancing your social skills helps you to communicate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts effectively for successful social navigation and positive influence. Being able to network easily and build connections starts with learning more about your communication style and preference and adapting accordingly.?

The DISC model categorizes individuals into four primary personality traits:?

1. Dominance?
2. Influence
3. Steadiness
4. Conscientiousness

Individuals with Dominance prioritize results, Influencers focus on relationships, Steadiness emphasizes cooperation, and Conscientiousness values accuracy.?

Here’s how to apply this framework in everyday work scenarios:

During a conflict, consider the DISC traits of those involved. Address Dominant (D) individuals directly and assertively, acknowledge the perspectives of Influential (I) members, provide detailed information for Conscientious (C) members, and approach Steady (S) individuals with empathy and reassurance.

When communicating with clients, adapt your approach based on their likely DISC traits. Present concise information for Dominant (D) clients, build rapport and engage Influential (I) clients, provide detailed plans for Conscientious (C) clients, and maintain a friendly and supportive tone for Steady (S) clients.

When collaborating on a project, leverage the strengths of each personality type. Assign tasks that align with Dominant (D) individuals' leadership skills, involve Influential (I) members in client interactions, ensure Conscientious (C) members handle detailed aspects, and create a supportive environment for Steady (S) team members to contribute steadily.

Remember, emotional intelligence is a skill you can always learn and improve upon. How do you think emotional intelligence has helped you get a competitive edge? Let us know in the comments below.?

Other related articles:?

1. Importance of EQ in the workplace
2. Things to consider before accepting a job offer
3. Open to work feature on LinkedIn: Yay or Nay