Hello Alberta Innovation Community,
Why is it that some company leaders seem to have such an uncanny ability to be able to read their coworkers? They seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to what employees need and when they need it. As it turns out, they haven’t figured out how to read minds; rather, they have the ability to recognize and manage their own emotions, and to understand the emotions of those around them. This is a set of skills known as emotional intelligence (EI).
The phrase “emotional intelligence”, which was coined by Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer in a 1990 issue of the Journal of Imagination, Cognition, and Personality, encompases five key elements: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. While all humans have varying degrees of emotional intelligence, individuals with a higher level of EI tend to be more effective managers/leaders. Their self-awareness and ability to self-regulate allows them to assess a situation before reacting, which is of significant importance when it comes to conflict management and resolution. In addition, empathy and strong social skills allow these individuals to interpret the emotions of others, thereby allowing them to manage relationships by truly understanding what another person is feeling and how it is affecting their work or interactions with colleagues.
As we’ve discussed in previous Focus on Talent articles, employees that feel heard and seen are more likely to be engaged with their work, and thus more likely to continue working with an organization. The good news is that you can hone your emotional intelligence skillset, which is a benefit in both your professional and personal relationships. A July 2024 Indeed article written by Jennifer Herrity highlights nine steps you can take to improve your EI level:
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Be more self-aware of your emotions and emotional responses
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Recognize how others feel
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Practice active listening
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Communicate clearly
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Focus on the positive, particularly during stressful situations
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Empathize with others
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Keep an open mind
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Listen to feedback, both positive and negative
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Focus on staying calm under pressure
If you’re interested in gaining a greater understanding of your own level of emotional intelligence, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health offers a free emotional intelligence self-assessment. They also offer resources on EI for Leaders, and EI for Employees.
