How important is it to perceive others’ emotions as well as control your own in the workplace? In a word: It’s critical. Emotional intelligence is often considered more important than IQ in the workplace, as our jobs rely on interactions with others. The ability to connect authentically with other people is a valued skill in the business world. It’s necessary for good leadership.
Here are some important ways anyone can develop more emotional intelligence:
- Take an honest look at your interactions with others. Do you listen without judgment? Do you give the benefit of the doubt? Do you allow issues that come up to be resolved or do you hold a grudge? Finally, do you allow others to shine while acknowledging your own accomplishments?
- Evaluate your ability to stay calm in stressful situations. Do a self-check. When things go wrong, do you blame others, get angry or accuse? Or, do you take a deep breath, look at your options and proceed with a plan using the resources around you?
- Practice putting yourself in your employees’ shoes. Exercising empathy in the workplace can go a long way in terms of emotional understanding. Pause during conflict or an uncomfortable situation and simply think, “How might this situation look from my coworker’s perspective?” Then, proceed with renewed perspective.
- Treat your employees like you would want to be treated. Do you celebrate the successes of your employees? Do you encourage them to develop their skills?
- Work hard to promote open communication. Do your employees know they can voice concerns? Provide negative feedback to you? Talk to you about something they think is standing in the way of the success of your enterprise?
- Act in a way that demonstrates your values. Your company’s mission may be to act ethically and with integrity, but do your actions reinforce those values?
- Finally, take care of yourself. Exercising emotional intelligence means taking breaks when you need to, taking a few deep breaths when stress sets in and stepping away for a few moments to collect your thoughts and emotions before approaching a potentially heated situation.
Learn more about how Rich in Thought consulting can help your business become more successful. Schedule a Meeting with me today.
