To define emotional intelligence in the workplace, we must first understand the definition of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is usually described as the ability to identify one’s emotions and the control of those emotions while expressing oneself. This also includes being empathetic to others and cultivating successful interpersonal relationships.
Emotional intelligence is not only useful in day-to-day life, but it is critical to a successful workplace. In fact, EQ is more important in the business world than IQ. With an emotionally intelligent team, maximum success can be achieved. This can be achieved through improved communication, empathy for others, and better resolution of conflict between the team members, and also customers.
Definition
What does the entire phrase “emotional intelligence at work” mean? There are five main areas of focus that are included in most studies:
- Self-awareness – of emotions and self-worth, and confidence in one’s abilities.
- Self-regulation – of emotions, standards of honesty, and adaptability.
- Motivation – drive to achieve goals, commitment, and initiative.
- Empathy – high sense of diversity, compassion, and is driven to assist others.
- Social Skills – skills in conflict management, communication, and leadership.
History
In the early 1970’s, the United States Supreme Court ruled that companies could not hire based on the results of IQ testing. The court determined that employment testing must be job performance related. Harvard University began researching other testing that companies could use that would better determine the potential for problem solving, conflict resolution and leadership. Emotional intelligence research and study really started after a Harvard professor, Howard Gardner, established that EQ is more desired in employees than the book learning of a college degree and high IQ.
Around 1995, Dr. Goleman authored the book Emotional Intelligence. This best seller was an immediate topic of conversation. Goleman’s book outlined the five key areas of emotional intelligence and how they relate to the day to day lives of everyone. It was shortly after Goleman’s book; the Emotional Competency Inventory was created and is still one of the most popular tests used to determine emotional intelligence of a perspective employee.
Who Needs It?
Everyone essentially needs to identify and build their emotional intelligence. In the workplace, it is now being considered a hiring trait that is desired by all the leading corporations. As far back as 2014, twenty percent of companies were testing and evaluating perspective employees and their emotional intelligence. By identifying employees that have high emotional intelligence, they more efficiently focus on these employees and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. This is also a way for companies to identify the lower leveled employees and direct these people towards identifying and improving their emotional intelligence levels.
Goals
What are the goals of emotional intelligence and increasing its traits and skills? Simply put, it is to better communicate with others, build relationships, and influence others around us in a more positive way. This growth is all based on our emotions and how we use them, and not let our emotions use us.
Once we identify our emotions, we can then begin to change our emotions to be less negative and less stressful. We can also use these changes to improve our social skills. Social skills in combination of communication equals someone who builds rapport.