Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important in the Workplace?

What is emotional intelligence(EQ)?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage our own emotions as well as recognize the emotions of others and try to understand them as well as being able to influence them(Salovey and Mayer, 1990). Later, in 1995, this concept was popularised by Daniel Goleman’s book?"Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ."

The four characteristics of emotional intelligence.

• Self-Management

It concerns with the capacity for managing and regulating feelings, actions, and impulsiveness. It only means to take a moment, consider, and wait for the ideal moment and setting to express our emotions. Strong self-control individuals are adaptable and can handle any change. Due to their conscientious character, they are quite good at handling challenging situations and may inspire others to follow key goals. They frequently take the initiative, are devoted, and accept responsibility for their own actions.

• Self-Awareness

This competence is based on the ability to perceive emotions. It involves being aware of and having a deep understanding of one's own feelings, values, abilities, and limitations. Only when we are conscious of our own emotions can we identify, comprehend, and control the emotions of others. It enables us to accurately assess how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect both ourselves and other people. We can enhance our interpersonal and professional interactions, our effective communication, our ability to make decisions, how we handle situations, and how we inspire others. We may also understand our limitations and discover ways to strengthen them for our own benefit. People who are self-aware are often curious about and open to new experiences, have a sense of humor, and are self-assured in their skills and talents.

• Social Awareness

Being socially aware is being able to "recognise and appreciate the viewpoints of many other individuals, categories of persons, or societies and apply that understanding to interactions with them." In order to effectively respond, one must be able to read body language, facial emotions, and even posture.

• Relationship management

Relationship management involves managing change and resolving disagreements gracefully. They lead by example. They know what factors to evaluate while managing their connections with others: judgments, interactions, consequences, and needs.

EQ and Workplace

Controlling our negative emotions is crucial in the workplace because they can influence how we make judgments and because they prevent us from focusing properly and thinking clearly when they are present. So rather than trying to control its workers, the new corporate leadership wants to win them over and have everyone work together for a similar goal.

The benefits of having EQ at work:

1. Emotional intelligence helps us understand who we are.
2. It aids in our decision-making at work.
3. Increases people's productivity at work.
4. Spare yourself from work stress.
5. Improve the way we interact with colleagues.
6. It aids in the development of our professional and personal selves.
7. It teaches us how to be leaders.
8. It improves our mental health.
9. It increases drive and achievement of objectives.

According to Goleman, regardless of how many degrees or other on-paper skills a person has, they are less likely to prosper in a job if they lack key emotional qualities. High levels of emotional intelligence separate the best leaders and workers from the rest. High EQ is also strongly linked to improved work performance and job satisfaction. Employees who work with or are managed by persons with high EQ are more satisfied with their jobs.?