Emotional intelligence, also known as Emotional Quotient, is the capacity to assess a person’s self-awareness and the ability to control others. This skill is highly useful in organizational settings as it helps create a healthy productivity environment. In this article, you will uncover the main ways through which emotional intelligence positively impacts the workplace.
Advantages of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
One of the jobs of Human Resources personnel in an organization is to evaluate their employee’s emotional, mental, and health conditions. It is essential to understand how emotional intelligence alters the culture of working at the workplace in the following:
Enhancing communication
Emotional intelligence means awareness of your feelings and that of others around you, where employees communicate better. They learn the art of listening, including nonverbal and nonverbal communication, which allows them not to act impulsively. It results in less misunderstanding in communication, increased understanding of the other party, and beneficial cooperation.
Improving team cohesiveness
Of further importance is the fact that trust and respect form the basis of teams, which are developed through emotional intelligence. Managers and subordinates aware of their and others’ emotions can solve conflicts, reconcile opposing opinions, and establish cooperation. This has the net effect of increasing creativity and innovation.
Improving leadership
Leadership is not merely about possessing specific technical knowledge; it is about possessing specific emotional intelligence. Managers with high EI practice effective influencing tactics and can spur their subordinates and colleagues into performing better duties while displaying effective and efficient interpersonal skills. Thus, they can realize the emotional needs of their workers as well as their increased morale and commitment.
Reducing workplace conflict
Disputes are bound to occur within any organization, and the emotionally intelligent person knows how to solve them. They keep their composure during confrontations, communicate effectively, and work towards a resolution that benefits both themselves and others. This reduces conflict and promotes courtesy since the initiator controls the entire process.
Doubling employee engagement and retention
People are more likely to feel appreciated and accepted in workplaces or organizations that embrace the culture of emotional intelligence. Good leaders who show concern and make themselves available ensure that employees have the right attitude to work their best. This, in turn, results in a high level of job satisfaction and a low turnover rate in an organization.
Enhancing decision-making
Emotionally intelligent personnel are particularly strong in stress management and concentration, hence the ability to make good decisions. Thus, it becomes possible for them to balance the rational approach to a problem with the emotional appeal of its resolution.
Conclusion
Emotional intelligence is a paradigm shift that can enhance interpersonal interactions and collaboration and promote healthier organizational climates. For the recipient or the giver, being emotionally intelligent means making the workplace a more cooperative, effective, and pleasant place. It is a tool for a business’s success and a framework for facilitating work environments that benefit employees. Finally, engaging your employees in soft skills training will improve their emotional intelligence.
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