The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Emotional intelligence is a total game changer when it comes to relationships at work. Understanding and managing emotions — not just facts and figures — can make or break how we communicate, collaborate, and even lead. But developing EQ skills definitely takes work. We aren’t born as experts on feelings — our own or others!

For me personally, becoming more self-aware revolutionized how I operate. I started journaling to unpack my emotional patterns, strengths, triggers, fears — all of it. Figuring out what makes me tick has helped me catch myself when I get riled up or stressed. Because if I’m being honest, this job throws me for an emotional loop sometimes! When a big deadline has me panicked or a client confrontation gets heated, I quickly get overwhelmed. But now that I know my tendencies, I can take a break to calm down before reacting. Game changer!

Empathy has also taken my workplace relationships to the next level. Whether it’s a colleague going through a tough time or an impatient customer, I’ve learned to consider their full context and not just my annoyance in the moment. Walking in their shoes — even for a minute or two to simply understand — works wonders. Now when tensions run high, I genuinely convey that I “get it” before finding solutions. And even small acts of validating others’ feelings often prevents further conflict.

By strengthening these EQ skills, I stay more grounded in stressful times, communicate clearly without getting emotional, receive feedback with an open mind, and support teammates in tangible ways. Things still affect me, but I bounce back quicker. Setbacks don’t derail me as easily. I think more big picture now, considering business needs alongside people’s wellbeing. Colleagues seem to value me more as a flexible, emotionally intelligent team player.

The exciting part is we can all develop stronger emotional intelligence with concerted effort! I try various tactics…reflecting after conflicts, asking for input on my reactions, meditating when emotions overwhelm me. It’s a lifelong journey, but activities like those build my EQ little by little. I still lose my cool or miss social cues sometimes.
But I recover faster, grow wiser, and become better equipped for this emotionally complex workspace of ours. Progress over perfection, right?

A Best Seller on the subject is this book…. Emotional Intelligence — The One Important Social Skill To Lead A Better Life, Build Happier and Meaningful Relationships, Enjoy Crazy Success At Work and Discover Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

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