Is Emotional Intelligence Just a Buzz Phrase?
A CEO dealing with vice presidents who are contentious with each other. A CFO engaging high performers as well as a few underperforming employees. A manager empowering her team while holding them accountable. An employee working with difficult clients. What makes a difference between success and failure in these situations?
Mariah DeLeon, Vice President of People, at Glassdoor might have the answer. She shares, “workers with high EQ (emotional intelligence) are better able to work in teams, adjust to change and be flexible. No matter how many degrees or other on-paper qualifications a person has, if he or she doesn’t have certain emotional qualities, he or she is unlikely to succeed. As the workplace continues to evolve, making room for new technologies and innovations, these qualities may become increasingly important.” (DeLeon, Mariah. The Importance of Emotional Intelligence at Work. Entrepreneur. 2015, May 8.)
Emotional Intelligence is not a simply a buzz phrase but rather the single biggest predictor of success in work and life.
EQ is a set of emotional and social skills that influence the way we:
o perceive and express ourselves,
o develop and maintain social relationships,
o cope with challenges, and
o use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way.
Emotional intelligence starts with self-perception and understanding what is happening internally. The internal thoughts and dialogue we have effects how we show up and present ourselves to others. This leads to the quality of interpersonal relationship we have and the ability to build trust and understanding. When we understand and have good relationships, we can make better decisions because we bring in all perspectives. As we make stronger decisions and have stronger relationships, we can be more adaptable and tolerate a higher level of stress.
Our emotional intelligence usage level directly impacts our work and our lives. Those with low emotional intelligence usage get hindered by daily situations they face. They often are stuck but that does not mean they cannot change and grow. Mid-level emotional intelligence usage allows a person to be as assertive as most people, but they may be missing opportunities. Those with high emotional intelligence usage typically are influencers, adaptors, and high performers. Assessment that leads to awareness of where your Emotional Intelligence currently is begins the journey to growth no matter what level you are currently at. Emotional Intelligence often takes focus and time to reshape perceptions and behaviors that have become an ingrained way of thinking and of life.
Using high emotional intelligence makes a difference, it allows the CEO to bring unity between his contentious vice presidents. It empowers the CFO to successfully engage his entire team toward a common goal. It fuels the manager to see her team succeed as she empowers them. And, finally, it allows the employee to move difficult clients to satisfied, returning clients.
Need help in navigating your emotional intelligence? Rozzi and Associates is here to help. Contact me for a free consultation at susan@rozziandassociates.com.
Susan Rozzi is the president of Rozzi and Associates, a leadership and organizational development company helping good leaders become great! Our programs start with the premise that great leadership skills are a product of time, practice and focused development. Our leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management programs can be customized to meet your desired outcomes and needs.