How can EQ help you become a better employee?

For over a decade, emotional intelligence (EQ) has been a “known fact”. 

Our understanding of its significance dates back to before Michael Baldwich compiled this sentence in a 1964 article. It has different names – from ‘social intelligence’ to emotional power -but one cannot consistently deny its importance. Some research suggests that emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of your job performance, and 90% of those who perform highly have higher EQ. Then what is this? And why is emotional intelligence essential in the workplace?

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is not as quantitative as Paul’s intelligence content (IQ). The first problem is – one cannot back it up with the same data as IQ. 

After school and in our workplaces, it has traditionally been easy to measure IQ and therefore weigh more.

EQ is a person’s abilities:

• Self-awareness: our knowledge of ourselves and our ability to recognize and understand ourselves, our behaviour, and our feelings.
• Self-discipline and self-discipline: our ability to control our emotions and our reactions.
• Self-motivation: Incorporating our internal resources to work, perform, act and reach goals.
• Empathy: Incorporating our ability to understand and ‘feel’ others, understand their feelings, and relate to them more effectively.
• Relationships: Incorporating our ability to build and maintain relationships, network, lead, manage conflicts, and work with others.

Why is emotional intelligence necessary?

EQ is not the enemy of IQ. And it’s possible to have a high level of both. However, life is a naturally social construction. 

Without the ability to function well in this relative environment, it is questionable to what extent intelligence alone will take you. Theodore Roosevelt put it: “No one cares how much you know unless they know how much you care.” EQ is, in many ways, the essence of being human.

Emotional intelligence and our ability to attract it as a reserve help us in many ways: from helping to take care of our physical and mental health and well-being to our motivation and guidance. When it comes to conflict resolution, it lies in our effective relationship and in our ability to manage our weapons and shields. 

It is a vehicle for success in many ways.

Why is emotional intelligence vital in the workplace?

Your work life and career can be significantly affected by your EQ. Workplaces are, basically, a relative environment. They’re usually a melting pot of different personalities, skills, powers and emotions. 

They also have a business purpose.

EQ and Recruitment

By understanding the value of EQ in the workplace, of course, we want to be able to identify it in candidates at the recruitment level. However, going back to the original puzzle, you cannot determine EQ, and at the same time, IQ can be linked to academic success. Although there are many psychometric tests aimed at identifying EQ, the reality is that it needs to be demonstrated in practice. Therefore, the performance and context of the interview can indicate more than any definition of EQ.

 Is your EQ set in stone?

While IQ is relatively permanent throughout your life, EQ is not. You can improve your EQ, but it takes effort, and this will benefit your working life and your general happiness and well-being. The following steps and exercises can help you increase your EQ:

Conclusion

By taking proactive steps to improve your EQ and make changes, you will find that you are more productive and can build more effective relationships around you. 

Emotional intelligence is essential, it is innate to us, and it affects every aspect of our lives, especially in the workplace