Fact: Human beings are emotional beings. To emote is human, but in a work environment we can’t afford to let every interaction be an emotional one unless we exercise emotional intelligence. With the high pressures of the current competitive market, how do we address employee needs mentally as we do in all other facets in order to foster a high performance culture and improve team dynamics? All this and more, keep reading…
Most effective leaders have one thing in common; a high degree of emotional intelligence (EI/EQ). This isn’t something we develop through training or experience and unfortunately it is not generated by having creative ideas, critical thinking and expensive degrees. Simply defined, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and effectively express one’s own feelings as well as engage and navigate successfully with those of others.
Exploring Emotional Intelligence
According to Rutgers psychologist Daniel Goleman, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills are the five domains of emotional intelligence that allow individuals to recognize, connect with, and learn from their own and other people’s mental states. Simply put, these domains can be simplified as follows:
- Self-awareness: Knowing your own emotions
- Self-regulation: Managing your own emotions
- Motivation: A passion for work that goes beyond money and status
- Empathy: Recognizing and understanding other people’s emotions
- Social Skills: Proficiency in managing relationships and building networks
The more we possess and exercise the, the higher our EI. With emotional intelligence, we are able to navigate team dynamics and relationships, execute plans, receive feedback and navigate negative situations.
“With emotional intelligence, we are able to navigate team dynamics and relationships, execute plans, receive feedback and navigate negative situations.”
Handling Draining And Negative Emotions And Situations
Think back to a situation that you felt an employee’s conduct negatively the team. How did you handle it? Did you take it personally and lash out of anger? Did you immediately judge the situation and report them to HR? When you practice emotional intelligence, you stop letting other people’s behaviors dictate your feelings because first it doesn’t help the situation nor the people involved become better. Instead we are to strive to have positive interactions with colleagues.
A conscious leader addresses tough emotions head-on, proactively and always positively. Even in the face of adversity I have had to calm and show resilience.
Bringing Emotions In The Workplace
As much as conventional wisdom tells us that everyone must check their emotions at the door, there is a place for them in a professional environment. I am not advocating for everyone to bring their baggage to work but as leader we must acknowledge that our emotions are a part of us and they play a major role in helping us get through our workdays. Whether we are happy, sad, excited, bored, inspired etc., these emotions dictate the quality of our interactions. The more we suppress the negative emotions, they more they come out in passive aggressive ways that are counterproductive.
By learning to let go of negativity and gauging our own emotions and emotional responses, we open the door to leading our teams consciously. For more information on how our training methods can help you do that, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.