Emotional intelligence – A tool or weapon?

As a leader and coach, I’ve had the privilege of guiding numerous individuals through their professional and personal journeys. One of the most transformative concepts amongst many in my 10 years of leadership is emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and to recognise and influence the emotions of others, is not just a buzzword; it’s a cornerstone of success in today’s workplace. It involves skills that are critical for effective communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. High emotional intelligence enables individuals to navigate social complexities, foster positive relationships, and create a collaborative work environment. It allows leaders to inspire and motivate their teams, driving higher levels of engagement and productivity. In a world where technical skills are not enough, emotional intelligence sets apart those who can lead with empathy and adaptability, ensuring sustainable success in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Let’s explore why emotional intelligence is so crucial and how it can be a game-changer for your career and personal growth.

Daniel Goleman, who is a psychologist and a science journalist, identified 5 key components of emotional intelligence, and they are:

Self-awareness, that is, to recognise and understand your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motives, which allows you to make better decisions and grow personally.

Motivation: this is by setting high standards for yourself and striving for excellence.

Empathy: sharing the feelings of others, which helps you see things from their own point of view and respond to their emotional needs.

Social skill: Having your emotions in check and not allowing them to cloud your judgment is very important when interacting with others; this helps you manage relationships, build networks, and navigate social complexities with ease.

Self-regulation: You have to be able to manage and control your own emotions, especially in stressful situations, and to maintain a positive mindset.

Read also: Emotional intelligence and your health

WHY IS ALL THIS IMPORTANT IN THE WORKPLACE? If you think emotions don’t matter in the work environment as long as you are getting the work done, You are mistaken because humans are emotional beings.

Let’s get this right: in today’s competitive and rapidly changing work environment, technical skills and industry knowledge alone are not sufficient for success, if you would agree with me. Emotional intelligence is essential in the workplace because it enhances communication, strengthens leadership, fosters teamwork, resolves conflicts, increases adaptability, boosts job satisfaction and retention, and enhances customer service.

Let’s look at a case study of Satya Nadella’s tenure as CEO of Microsoft. If you follow his story, you will understand how emotional intelligence can transform a workplace. He started by leveraging his self-awareness, empathy, motivation, and social skills. Nadella has not only revitalised Microsoft’s culture but also positioned the company for sustained innovation and growth. His leadership demonstrates that emotional intelligence is not just a nice-to-have trait but a critical factor in achieving long-term success in the modern business world.

In conclusion, in an environment where emotional intelligence is valued and cultivated, both individuals and organisations can thrive. By fostering emotional intelligence, companies can enhance teamwork, reduce workplace stress, and improve overall job satisfaction. As the workplace continues to evolve, the importance of emotional intelligence will only grow, making it a critical asset for long-term success and well-being.

Investing in the development of emotional intelligence is not just beneficial but necessary for creating a resilient, efficient, and harmonious work environment. Organisations that prioritise emotional intelligence will be better equipped to adapt to change, handle crises with composure, and maintain a competitive edge. This investment leads to a culture of trust and mutual respect, where employees feel valued and motivated, ultimately driving innovation and growth. By embedding emotional intelligence into the core of their operations, businesses can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.

Coach Lara Yeku (CLY): Head of HR, Food Commercial Division; Certified Business Analysis Professional; Certified Executive Coach and Author.