June 10, 2023, | Updated June 10, 2023 
By @JoshuaNgala

Emotional intelligence (EI) is more than just a buzzword; it’s a crucial skill for thriving in today’s fast-paced, dynamic work environments.

Employees should have the ability to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

Such people with high EI are better equipped to handle stress, build strong relationships, and communicate effectively with their colleagues.

In practical terms, leaders are better placed in positions to inspire and influence others, and to be effective. They must be aware that emotions can drive behaviors and impact people positively and negatively.

They must also learn how to manage those emotions. Both their own and others, especially for success in today’s fast-paced, dynamic work environments.

Therefore, in today’s corporate environment, a leader must work towards engaging the organization forcefully enough to achieve its objectives.

The person who possesses emotional intelligence not only has excellent communication skills.

They can convey empathy, display integrity, perform tasks with attention to detail, are flexible, and have excellent problem-solving skills.

But the benefits don’t stop there. When employees are empowered through involvement, enablement, and encouragement, there is an enhancement in service delivery.

Other benefits include gaining a competitive edge, continuous innovation, increased productivity, and customer satisfaction.

There are several benefits of having a high level of emotional intelligence in the workplace as detailed below:

1. Improved Communication

Emotionally intelligent individuals are better communicators.

They can communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively. They understand and interpret the feelings of others.

They are also able to adjust their communication style to fit the needs of different people and situations.

2. Increased Empathy and Understanding

They are more empathetic and understanding.

They can see things from other people’s perspectives and they can understand and appreciate different viewpoints.

This leads to better relationships with co-workers, increased collaboration, and a more positive work environment.

3. Better Conflict Resolution

The EI people are better at resolving conflicts.

They can remain calm in stressful situations and constructively communicate their thoughts and feelings.

They are also able to understand the underlying causes of conflicts and work towards finding a mutually beneficial solution.

4. Higher Levels of Leadership

The individuals make better leaders.

They can inspire and motivate their teams, and they can communicate their vision and goals effectively.

They adapt to changing circumstances and make difficult decisions when necessary.

What are characteristics of Emotionally Intelligent People?

Well-educated, coached, and highly motivated people are critical to the development and execution of strategies.

In the new knowledge economy, independent entrepreneurship and initiative are needed throughout the ranks of organizations.

Emotional intelligence is a term coined by Daniel Goleman in his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.

Psychologist Goleman identified five elements that make up emotional intelligence as stated below:

1. Self-Awareness

The EI  people are self-aware.

They understand their own emotions and they are able to recognize how their emotions affect their thoughts and behavior.

This allows them to better regulate their emotions and make better decisions.

2. Self-Regulation

Such individuals are able to regulate their emotions.

They are able to manage their feelings and impulses in a way that is appropriate for the situation and in their own best interests.

This allows them to remain calm and focused in stressful situations.

3. Motivation

EI people are motivated. They have a strong desire to achieve their goals and they are willing to work hard to make them a reality.

They are also able to stay motivated in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

4. Empathy

They have the ability to recognize and understand the emotions of others, and to respond appropriately to their needs and concerns. They understand and appreciate the emotions of others.

This allows them to connect with others on a deeper level and build stronger relationships.

5. Social Skills

Emotionally intelligent people have strong social skills. They can communicate effectively, build rapport with others, and work collaboratively.

How do you develop Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is not something that you are born with, but rather a skill that can be developed over time.

This can be particularly helpful in the workplace, where relationships and business decisions often on interpersonal understanding, teamwork, and communication.

Here are some ways to improve your emotional intelligence:

1. Practice Self-Awareness

Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Take stock of emotional strengths and weaknesses. How well do you communicate with others?

Recognizing weaknesses allows you to look for ways to deal with them. When you are experiencing a strong emotion, take a moment to identify what you are feeling and why you are feeling that way.

This can help you better understand your own emotions and how they affect your behavior.

Remember that emotions are fleeting and temporary. Making reactive and rush decisions on intense emotions can be detrimental to your long-term goals and success.

2. Work on Self-Regulation

People who possess good self-regulation are able to adapt well to changing situations.

Practice managing your emotions in a healthy way.

Take deep breaths, meditate, or engage in physical activity when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. To improve your self-regulation skills in the workplace, find techniques to release workplace stress, think before making decisions and keep your cool.

This can help you remain calm and focused in difficult situations.

3. Increase Empathy

Emotionally intelligent people are good at stepping into another person’s shoes and understanding how they feel.

As you see things from the other person’s point of view, it’s important you pay attention to how you respond to those views.

Letting others know that their efforts have merit often helps everyone feel more willing to compromise.

This can help you build stronger relationships and communicate more effectively.

4. Build Social Skills

Employees and leaders with great social skills are able to build rapport with colleagues and communicate their ideas effectively.

Practice active listening and work on building rapport with others. This can help you build stronger relationships and work more collaboratively with others.

What is the Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Employee Satisfaction and Productivity?

Emotional intelligence has a significant impact on employee satisfaction and productivity.

Employees who have a high level of emotional intelligence are more satisfied with their jobs and more engaged in their work.

They are also more likely to be productive and achieve their goals. Research suggests that emotional intelligence has a significant impact on employee satisfaction and productivity.

Employees in fields such as healthcare, social work, and education tend to be more motivated to do work that has a positive impact on others, and they place a higher value on recognition for their work.

Positive emotions are also important for team productivity, and celebrating wins can boost morale.

Emotional management remains a key part of emotional intelligence and self-aware leaders, and greater emotional management skills predict increased job performance and satisfaction for young people.

Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill in the workplace. It can help improve communication, increase empathy and understanding, resolve conflicts, and improve leadership skills.

While some people may be naturally more emotionally intelligent than others, it is a skill that can be developed over time with practice and effort.

However, it is important to note that emotional intelligence alone does not guarantee success in the workplace.

There are instances where highly emotionally intelligent individuals may struggle in high-pressure situations or may not possess the technical skills necessary for their job.

Companies are paying attention to the fall in job satisfaction and the rise in the focus on emotional well-being, with a deliberate focus on younger workers.