I am pretty sure that you have landed on your first job because of your academic or technical skills. However, lean are the chances that your first promotion is guaranteed on those skills only.
If your dream is to turn into a leader, who is expected to listen to others, practice empathy, mentor employees, make pathways for teams’ growth and development, the element of emotions and understanding cannot be missed.
Emotional intelligence is known as the capability to identify and manage your own emotions, as well as understand and impact the emotions of those around you. The concept of Emotional Intelligence was conceived by the two researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey in 1990, however, the famous author, psychologist, and science journalist Daniel Goleman popularized it in 1995, when his book Emotional Intelligence was published. It was The New York Times Best Seller list for a year and a half, a bestseller in many countries, and is in print worldwide in 40 languages
Emotional intelligence is classically known for the following four components:
- Self-awareness
- Self-management/ Self control
- Social awareness
- Relationship management
Why is Emotional Intelligence important?
Leaders build a culture for their organisation. They are responsible for increasing employee engagement, reducing employee turnover rate and gaining their trust aiming for organisational success and growth. If they opt out in practicing emotional intelligence, there would be high chances of people not wanting to work for the organisation or will work with low morale and dropping enthusiasm.
Young generations are not used to working listening to condescending voices. They not only demand flexibility and freedom in their work styles but they also look for openness, respect and ‘embrace the different’ attitude in their superiors.
In today’s work environment when we are expected to understand collaboration of skills and diversity and inclusion as inseparable terminologies, there is no room for arrogance and patronising behaviour. The proficiency of your technical skills can be completely overlooked in such cases, even if you are a star performer in the oranisation. Being able to communicate with others and understanding their perspective as well is the key to success in today’s era. By mastering emotional intelligence, you can continue to advance your career and organization.
People that have not heard about emotional intelligence yet may like to differ. But practicing emotional intelligence is unavoidable in order to build team coherence and maintain harmony in the workplace. However, there is evidence that shows a direct correlation between emotional intelligence and many career-related aspects. Studies have proven the link between emotional intelligence.
Emotional Intelligence in the workplace
The following are the reasons that helps you to appreciate the importance of practicing emotional intelligence in the workplace
- Self-awareness of one’s own emotions– Workplace is never free of confrontations, arguments, angry clients or customers, and conflicting viewpoints. If you have mastered the art of controlling your emotions. You can end up winning many hearts of your colleagues and clients.
- Increased effectiveness- Today’s dynamic business environment demand team-work attitude, and your capability to work and perform in large teams today, determines your ability to turn into a leader of tomorrow When you are empathetic and lend a hand of support to your colleagues, you can make decisions with ease and increase your work effectiveness.
- Career Growth-Emotional intelligence and leadership skills are closely knitted. They are interconnected. Exhibiting behavioural competencies like composure, calmness, emotional stability, good listening, empathy etc. make ways for your career growth for a leadership role.
- Interpret non-verbal communication. You are composed enough to notice and perceive others non-verbal communication who are working with you through their body postures, facial expressions, gestures, etc. You are able to offer open conversations or practice empathy with them.
- Assisting others in building interpersonal skills– You can influence your team by being empathetic, collaborative, cooperative and spreading positive energy among them. Emotions are infectious and magnetic. A strong and constructive work culture can be established through an optimistic mindset.
Final Thoughts:
It’s time that we must start allowing us to perceive emotions at work and recognising the advantages of doing so. It is time that we start analysing the impact of exercising emotional intelligence in the workplace. Let us put our first steps forward towards the humbling experience and an interesting journey of practicing emotional intelligence.