It is long known that one’s emotional intelligence (EQ) is far more important than one’s intelligence (IQ) in attaining success in one’s life and career. We will stick out to say that this gains even more importance as you move into more senior roles and management jobs within organizations. It’s not hard to check this empirically. Ask people around you what kind of a boss would they like to work for, most will come back with reasons that are related to EQ more than anything else.
As individuals, our personal and professional success today depends on our ability to read other people’s signals and react appropriately to them. Studies have also shown that people with high EQs are better predictors of performance than those with a high IQ.
So how does one improve their emotional quotient or “soft skills” at the workplace? We did a little research on the subject and came up with the following.
Enhancing emotional intelligence at the workplace
1. Take initiative: Demonstrate responsibility and enthusiasm for your job by striving to go the extra mile. This starts by finishing work without constant reminders from your supervisor.
And if you are already in a leadership role, this means setting the example. Do tasks without being asked by someone else. Look around, see what needs to be done, and do it. Be the owner. If a coworker has a large project and you have some time on your hands, volunteer to help.
Further, you could seek more challenging work and strive to develop your technical skills. This rarely goes unnoticed.
2. Act as a team player: This means not only being cooperative, but also displaying strong leadership skills when necessary. Practice leading in small group discussions by asking your teammates questions and bringing quieter members into the conversation.
3. Be flexible: Employees who can adapt to any situation are dependable no matter what is thrown at them. Be open and agreeable to other people’s suggestions, respect difference of opinions, accept your mistakes, and show empathy to others.
Understand constraints and reasons why someone is unable to stick to a plan and then work to create a new plan if necessary. You do not want to be called ‘stuck up’ as a manager. Adopt agile methods. Be prepared for any breakdowns.
4. Communicate effectively: Communicate clearly through written, oral, and nonverbal communication. Be concise instead of going in loops. Articulate well, be a good listener, and use appropriate body language at all times. Get to a discussion, write down the key points and send them all over Email, so that people can sign off to what was being said, and everyone is on the same page.
5. Build relationships: Interpersonal skills are important in the workplace, especially since so many organizations are designed around teams and departments. Seek friendships with peers, supervisors, clients, and business partners.
Show that you genuinely care about people. Working in silos does not help anyone. In an organization, you are rarely competing with each other, but working together to improve as a whole. It’s good to set personal reminders on that one.
6. Manage conflict in a healthy way: Address issues with the individual(s) involved in a private manner. Approach the discussion in a non-judgmental, but assertive manner. Ask questions and try to understand their side of the story. Work together to find a solution. There is one. Even if you agree to disagree.
7. Active listening is important: Paraphrase and ask questions to learn more about what someone is telling you. Take notes in team meetings or staff training sessions. Do not interrupt other people – Respect them by letting them finish saying what they are saying.
Pay attention to the other person’s body language. Observe their posture, tone of voice, eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions. Build trust. Why should they believe you? Listen to their concerns.
8. Embrace differences:Leaders need to be sensitive about how to manage and leverage differences in people to assemble great teams and assign unique talents and abilities to certain situations. Be smart and look for common ground within the differences between people.
9. Manage stress: The ability to stay in control in difficult situations is highly valued – in the business world and outside it. Keep your emotions under check and remain calm in moments of crisis. Talk about concerns one-on-one with your supervisor instead of breaking down in front of the entire team.
10. Take responsibility for your actions: If you hurt someone’s feelings, apologize directly – don’t ignore what you did or avoid the person. People are usually more willing to forgive and forget if you make an honest attempt to make things right.
Hopefully these tips are handy reminders of how you can work towards creating a great working environment in your next management jobs! May the force be with you 🙂
