Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Emotional Intelligence (also known as EQ) is an increasingly valued component of being an effective leader, manager or team member. It is about perceiving, controlling and evaluating emotions – skills that contribute to the wellbeing of the team and help manage relationships between people. However, EQ is still seen by some people as a “soft” skill – or nothing more than a management buzzword. In fact, the benefits are very real, and a strong sense of emotional intelligence has direct practical use in the modern work environment.

The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence

For sceptics, here are some of the benefits of having a good level of emotional intelligence:

• Improved communication. People often don’t say what they mean or speak angrily or aggressively, due to the way they feel about who they are communicating with. Emotionally intelligent managers can identify and address these issues and communicate in an effective, assertive way.
• Stronger team relationships. The more a team feels a sense of comradeship, the more they will want to do well as a team, which improves team morale and leads to higher productivity.
• Improved ability to cope under stress. Stress is usually created or heightened by emotions or emotional reactions. Remove these and problems and people become more manageable.
• Stronger influence and relationships. For leaders, it’s essential that people do what you ask because they want to. Emotional intelligence gives you the tools to create stronger loyalty and a genuine willingness to please.
• Better ability to manage yourself. To be a strong leader you must be a strong person, and emotional intelligence allows you to examine your own emotions and develop coping strategies and a thicker skin.

By developing these skills, you build a stronger working environment for you and your team. When you can manage people on an emotional level, you create a true willingness to work for common goals.  A happy team is an efficient team, and not something to be underestimated.

Contact us to find out how we can assist your leaders with developing their emotional intelligence.

Related articles from our Leadership Blog:

• Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
• Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Influence
• Emotional Intelligence During Leadership Challenges
• The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership
• Engage and Motivate
• EQ – Fuelling Leadership

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