About a year ago I posted a BLOG about the importance of EQ during the pandemic. In the U.S. companies are figuring out hybrid plans to get employees back in the office to do their work, which is another change for your workforce to adapt to! My conclusion is emotional intelligence is still a critical competency for leaders to have in their competency tool boxes. Remember that EQ is a “muscle” that can be developed and improved upon with intentional practice.
Truly great leaders actually create their own leadership style. They are keenly aware of how their style influences their team. They identify and understand their emotions and most importantly they are able to empower others to do the same. And that is why Daniel Goleman said, “...emotional intelligence emerges as a much stronger predictor of who will be most successful, because it is how we handle ourselves in our relationships that determines how well we do once we are in a given job.”
COMPETENCIES
The original definition, as coined by the team of Salovey and Mayer (1990) is:
“Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the collection of abilities used to identify, understand, control and assess the emotions of the self and others.”
The following are five reasons why emotional intelligence matters:
1. Compassion
Leaders practicing EQ are not afraid of others’ emotions. They realize they are growing a business that cares about all its employees and customers.
2. Effective Communication
Motivation comes from effective communication tailored to the individual. Clarity and consistency contribute to the ability to understand what is expected or needed from them. Also, can you listen without judgment?
3. Respect
A developed EQ leader practices self-respect. Your team will look at how you treat yourself when things go wrong. How do you handle making mistakes and recover from mistakes?
4. Lead With Heart
Can you show emotions and vulnerability? How do you connect emotionally with your employees? How do you engage your employees’ hearts and heads?
5. Intuition
Intuitive leaders make decisions based on wisdom and understanding. Can you trust your gut? Can you take the right steps to inspire others?
CONCLUSIONS
Here is one more quote from Daniel Goleman for you to consider:
“By teaching people to tune in to their emotions with intelligence and to expand their circles of caring, we can transform organizations from the inside out and make a positive difference in our world.”
EQ is important to being a great leader now and always. While many employees may be skeptical about being back in the office, practice effective emotional intelligence and meet them where they are in the change process. Connect with them to find out what they need to adopt the workplace re-entry plans in place at your business. I believe in leading to each employee's maximum potential and delivering results that matter. If you do too, and need emotional intelligence development in your business, please contact me.