You’ve worked hard to foster an inclusive, positive company culture. But is it an emotionally intelligent workplace? Emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a vital role in both employee satisfaction and your company’s success.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Loosely defined, EQ is a person’s ability to recognize and understand emotions in themselves and others. Unlike the traditional intelligence quotient (IQ), EQ allows a person to understand, communicate, and make decisions based on an emotional understanding of others involved and the situation.
Some argue EQ is more important than IQ.
Benefits of Emotionally Intelligent Team Members
There are big benefits tied to team members with high EQ.
Employees with high EQ:
- Are self-aware
- Are in control of their emotions
- “Read” how others feel
- Approach communication by using their emotional understanding
- Accept and embrace change
Team members with high EQ tend to get along better with others, stay cool under stress, possess greater empathy, and make smarter decisions than those with lower EQ.
Benefits of an Emotionally Intelligent Workplace
Companies reap big rewards in fostering an emotionally intelligent workplace.
Better collaboration. Empathic, self-aware teams are better able to see and respect each other’s points of view, foster inclusiveness, and share ideas that can turn into successful projects that drive company success.
Relationship management. Workplace conflict zaps team members’ time and energy. Workplaces that foster high EQ enjoy more cohesive, positive relationships. While there may be constructive friction among high EQ team members, they work through it via constructive communication and a focus on a positive outcome.
Higher productivity. Teams with a collectively high EQ work better together, communicate more effectively, and get more done. If every team accomplishes 10% more, think how much more success the company can enjoy!
Greater job ownership. High EQ team members understand the importance of their jobs. People with high EQ typically meet deadlines, show up at work on time, and stay focused on outcomes instead of infighting and petty criticism.
Fostering an emotionally intelligent workplace should be a top priority for every company, no matter the size or industry. By helping every team member shape and develop their EQ, organizations are sure to see measurable improvements in productivity and engagement, and build more cohesive, higher-performing teams.
We’re rooting for you!
Avery and Brian