Susan says… Number 5 – Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important?

Our Business Advisor, Susan George, is a highly effective economic development professional with extensive senior management experience in both the private and public sector. We wanted to make the most of Susan’s wealth of experience and she hints and tips on relevant topics throughout the year.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage both our own emotions and the emotions of others effectively. It involves being aware of how emotions influence behaviour, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. Individuals with high emotional intelligence can navigate social complexities, empathise with others, communicate effectively, and handle interpersonal conflicts constructively. This skill set encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills, all of which contribute to personal and professional success. Emotional intelligence is not only about recognizing and managing emotions in oneself but also about using that understanding to build strong, positive relationships with others.

You could call EQ character. It is thinking about feeling, it embraces emotions and what it is to be human.

The dictionary definition of character says, ‘the particular combination of qualities in someone or something that makes them different from others.’

EQ is a meta-ability, determining how well we can use whatever other skills we have, including raw intellect. The great news is that although IQ is relatively fixed, EQ can be learnt, developed and improved upon.

Here are my 20 top tips on how to use emotional intelligence to succeed in business:

1. Self-awareness: Recognise your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers to better understand how they impact your decisions and interactions in the business environment.

2. Self-regulation: Practice self-control and manage your emotions, especially in high-pressure situations, to maintain professionalism and make rational decisions.

3. Empathy: Develop the ability to understand and empathise with the perspectives, feelings, and needs of your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to build stronger relationships.

4. Active listening: Listen attentively to others without interrupting, show genuine interest, and validate their emotions and concerns to foster trust and collaboration.

5. Adaptability: Be flexible and open-minded in adapting to changes and diverse perspectives within the business environment to remain resilient and responsive to evolving situations.

6. Conflict resolution: Use emotional intelligence to navigate conflicts constructively by understanding different viewpoints, managing emotions effectively, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

7. Assertiveness: Express your opinions, needs, and boundaries confidently and respectfully to assert your position and contribute effectively to discussions and decision-making processes.

8. Stress management: Develop coping mechanisms and stress-relief strategies to maintain emotional balance and productivity during challenging times in the workplace.

9. Positive attitude: Cultivate a positive mindset and outlook, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, to inspire optimism and motivation among your team members.

10. Building rapport: Establish rapport and trust with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders by demonstrating authenticity, warmth, and sincerity in your interactions.

11. Leadership skills: Lead by example, inspire others, and foster a supportive and inclusive work environment by leveraging emotional intelligence to understand and motivate your team members effectively.

12. Feedback delivery: Provide constructive feedback with empathy and sensitivity, focusing on behaviours rather than personalities, to facilitate growth and development among your team members.

13. Cultural competence: Recognise and respect cultural differences and diversity within the workplace, adapting your communication and approach accordingly to foster inclusivity and collaboration.

14. Networking: Build and nurture professional relationships by leveraging emotional intelligence to connect authentically with others, understand their needs, and offer support and value.

15. Problem-solving: Approach challenges and obstacles with a calm and rational mindset, using emotional intelligence to analyse situations from multiple perspectives and generate innovative solutions.

16. Decision-making: Consider the emotional implications and consequences of decisions on yourself and others, balancing logic with empathy to make informed and ethical choices.

17. Team collaboration: Foster a collaborative and cohesive team environment by promoting open communication, trust, and mutual respect among team members, leveraging emotional intelligence to navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively.

18. Conflict prevention: Proactively identify and address potential sources of conflict within the workplace by fostering a culture of open communication, respect, and understanding among colleagues.

19. Emotional resilience: Develop resilience to setbacks and failures by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a positive outlook.

20. Continuous self-improvement: Commit to ongoing personal and professional development by seeking feedback, learning from experiences, and honing your emotional intelligence skills to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing business landscape.

Want to learn more?

Read Emotional Intelligence – Why it can matter more than IQ by Daniel Goleman