Emotional Intelligence isn’t just a trendy buzzword. Understanding and improving the connection between our emotions and actions (and reactions) is crucial to both business and personal success.
We all have different personalities, needs, wants, and ways of showing our emotions. Even in a best case scenario, managing these complex emotions takes tact and discipline — especially if we hope to succeed in life and on the job.
And while EI has always been a valuable asset, in a new world of remote work and general stress and uncertainty, it’s more important than ever. As leaders, we need to be not only aware of — but also sensitive to — a range of emotional responses, while also moving team members and the organization forward.
Why Is Emotional Intelligence So Important Right Now?
Emotional intelligence is about finding that Q4 balance of respect for others’ emotional needs and regard for the team’s overall success.
It may sound overly simplistic, but we all experience emotions, whether we want to or not. You might work with someone who prides themselves on their cool professionalism…but forgets about the times they’ve blown up in a divisive meeting. It might happen only once in a blue moon, but that emotion is still coming out in unproductive ways.
Managing emotions isn’t the same as repressing them. We don’t want to stifle our feelings, because that’s exactly when they rear up. At a time when everyone’s emotions are heightened, our goal is to express them intelligently — for our own advantage and the benefit of others.
How Can We Productively Deal With Our Emotions?
To help you begin to express your emotions more productively and effectively, consider these areas:
Self-Awareness
We each interpret the world from our own perspective. Our perceptions define our reality, and our reality affects our emotions and behaviors. Ultimately, our behaviors impact our relationships — and our results.
When you don’t recognize your emotions and triggers, you can’t effectively manage your behavior. You won’t be able to respond positively to people and events. In order to proactively and effectively manage yourself, you need to assess what’s going on. Becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings is key to responding to people and events, rather than simply reacting to them.
Self-Management
Once you know what’s going on, you can focus on the areas that need attention. Self-management includes understanding what’s going on with you, why disruptive moods and impulses are happening, and what pushes your buttons.
Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed, paralyzed by depression and worry, or overcome by anger and frustration. Self-management is exactly what it sounds like — the ability to manage our emotions and impulses. During periods of uncertainty, we are vulnerable to some unhelpful and unproductive ways of thinking. Psychologists call this “irrational thinking.” When you learn to recognize irrational thoughts and replace them with more balanced, rational thinking, you can proactively avoid emotional distress, and flawed decision-making.
How’s Your Emotional Intelligence?
Some of us have a natural inclination toward emotional intelligence. But even if you don’t, it’s a skill set that can be learned to your advantage. Check out our webinar on Emotional Intelligence Part I. It covers the self awareness and self management aspects of emotional intelligence.
Our Emotional Intelligence Webinar Part II focuses on social awareness and relationship management.
We also have tips to strengthen your emotional intelligence.
For more info on our emotional intelligence workshop, please contact us.
