21. January 2025
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Emotional intelligence at work – necessity, principles and strategies
The business world has largely been shaped around the idea that logic should come before emotion. Today, however, emotional intelligence is increasingly talked about and many companies are realising its role in business. Qualities such as empathy and sensitivity are now seen as strengths. With the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence is becoming even more necessary. Technology cannot replace the human capacity for understanding and empathy. Emotional intelligence is a factor that can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful business owner.
“I see the benefits of emotional intelligence every day in my work with executives and teams. During my career as a therapist, I have learned that many of the interpersonal skills we use to strengthen our personal relationships are the same skills needed to succeed in the workplace.”
Roberta Moore – Licensed Psychotherapist and Executive Coach
What is emotional intelligence?
In 1990, psychologists Peter Salovea and John Mayer formulated the first scientific definition of emotional intelligence. They described it as the ability of individuals to recognize, understand, and regulate their emotions and those of others, which is the basis for functioning effectively in social contexts. They also developed a test to measure EI called the MSCEIT (Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test). This has piqued the interest of larger corporations interested in hiring and retaining top talent.
Today, it is already difficult to find a leading company that is not committed to the topic of emotional intelligence. Directors and managers see that it helps reduce conflict, boost motivation and increase productivity.
Principles of emotional intelligence as a business owner
- Self-Awareness
As a leader, you are the role model for your team. When you demonstrate self-awareness and control your emotions, you teach your team to do the same. Take stock of how you feel and react to certain stressors throughout the day. To understand the emotions of others, you must first be in tune with yourself.
- Communication
Good communication is the foundation of any successful leadership role. This includes both conveying information and being able to actively listen and respond in a timely manner. Difficult conversations and conflict are part of running any business. A good leader knows how to solve problems effectively, rationally and calmly.
- Trust
When people feel they can trust their leader, they are more engaged and show greater commitment. It’s important to be honest and transparent and to show respect and empathy for the people you work with.
- Motivation
Managers with high emotional intelligence know how to motivate their team by creating a positive and inspiring work atmosphere. They are able to recognize individual needs and match them with the goals of the organization. This helps the team feel engaged and motivated to deliver results.
Strategies for applying emotional intelligence
- Regular 1-on-1 meetings: arrange regular one-on-one meetings with team members to understand their personal and professional needs, emotional state, and sources of stress.
- Training: Provide training and emotional intelligence development opportunities for all team members, including yourself. This can include training, workshops and role plays.
- Caring Feedback: When giving feedback to employees, focus on a constructive approach while demonstrating understanding and support for their efforts.
Emotional intelligence is an important element of successful leadership. Through self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy, and social skills, leaders can effectively communicate, resolve conflict, and build trust within their team. Despite advances in technology, EI remains critical to successful management and the long-term success of organizations.
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