Emotional intelligence in the workplace is the ability to manage our emotions and those of others to build more productive, collaborative and effective working relationships. In simple terms, it is how we understand and manage emotions at work to improve how we communicate, collaborate and handle conflict.
As Sharon Jansen, a coaching competency evaluator at SACAP, highlights, developing these interpersonal skills becomes increasingly important as people progress in their careers.
In this post, we will explore emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace, including what it is, how it supports communication and conflict, and how it can be developed in a work environment.
We will also look at how EQ supports communication, conflict management and how it can be developed in the workplace.
What is emotional intelligence in the workplace?
Emotional intelligence in the workplace refers to the ability to recognise, understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, in a professional environment.
EQ expert Daniel Goleman, who wrote Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More than IQ, defines EQ as “…our ability to recognise our own feelings and those of others, to motivate ourselves, and to manage emotions well in ourselves and in relationships”. Goleman’s research emphasised that IQ is far less important as a predictor of a person’s path in life than EQ. In practice, emotional intelligence in the workplace means applying this knowledge specifically to our careers.
Jansen shares that her understanding of EQ developed through experience, particularly when she realised that interpersonal skills were limiting her career growth despite strong technical ability.
How does emotional intelligence help with conflict in the workplace?
Emotional intelligence helps with conflict in the workplace by allowing individuals to recognise emotional triggers, manage their responses and approach situations with greater empathy and clarity.
By cultivating EQ and building awareness of emotions and behaviour, people can learn to identify and defuse tension before it escalates, resulting in healthier conflict resolution.
Jansen admits that she was initially quite low on the EQ scale, but after learning about coaching, she gained greater insight into the value of EQ in managing her relationships. As she shares below:
“… [I] became more successful due to observing myself and how I was showing up in the world. I learned to manage my emotions effectively as well as my impact on others. I learned how to work more collaboratively with others and skillfully manage conflict when it arose.”
How does emotional intelligence improve communication at work?
Emotional intelligence improves communication at work by helping individuals better understand their own emotions and the emotions of others, leading to clearer and more effective interactions.
By focusing on developing EQ, you become more aware of how your own emotions and behaviour affect yourself and others, which in turn leads to better communication. For example, EQ helps you gain greater clarity about how you and others feel, which helps you manage expectations and leads to improved planning and task execution.
According to Jansen, who has worked with various EQ models, some of the most essential elements that improve communication at work include the following:
- Self-awareness
- Impulse control
- Persistence
- Confidence
- Self-motivation
- Empathy
- Social deftness
Practical tips for developing emotional intelligence at work
Emotional intelligence can be developed in the workplace through consistent self-awareness, reflection and intentional behaviour change.
From what Jansen shared in the previous points, learning emotional intelligence in the workplace often happens through trial and error. However, according to Psychology Today, you can focus on developing emotional intelligence at work by doing the following:
- Developing self-awareness and the ability to self-regulate
- Cultivating optimism and organisational awareness
- Being empathetic
- Building supportive relationships and networks
- Supporting others to grow
Some practical ways to apply this in the workplace include:
- Hold regular meetings where people are encouraged to share and reflect, which can help to build self-awareness and awareness of others.
- Implement training in tools like mindfulness or others that encourage self-reflection
- Consult with a qualified mental health professional to learn self-regulation strategies.
- Encourage clear communication and empathic listening in teams, where everyone feels safe to express themselves openly
- Encourage teamwork and team-building, which help develop empathy, supportive relationships and networks.
The bottom line: relationships drive success
When we work in teams with a shared vision, we are more likely to support one another, which is critical in environments where the drive for individual achievement can overshadow the value of working together. As Jansen shares, in today’s world, we are “preoccupied with technology and technical skills”. However, the most profound insight from her experience of EQ is that “…what takes us to the next level is our ability to build relationships.”
Therefore, while it takes practice, developing self-awareness and EQ can empower you not only to have a more productive working life but also to grow and thrive.
Learn more about how to develop emotional intelligence in the workplace
As Jansen reiterates, “…the most exciting thing about EQ is that it can be learned.” If you are interested in expanding on this competency, there are many ways to get started.
Develop EQ through coaching
If you’re interested in developing the skills that can help you improve your EQ, consider studying coaching at SACAP. SACAP offers a range of coaching courses to promote self-development and perhaps pave the way for a successful career in coaching, including our Postgraduate Diploma in Coaching qualification.
Expand beyond EQ with holistic intelligence
Emotional intelligence is just one of many intelligences which can assist us in developing relationships and building fulfilling careers. To learn more about emotional intelligence and the concept of holistic intelligence, take a look at the Developing Holistic Intelligence: EQ & Beyond short course offered by SACAP Global.
Developing EQ in other related areas
For insight into other areas related to developing emotional intelligence in the workplace, such as Human Resources Management (HRM), Management and Leadership, and building resilience and relational skills, visit our SACAP and SACAP Global qualification and course listings pages.
FAQ
1. How do we develop emotional intelligence in the workplace?
We can develop EQ in the workplace by building self-awareness, learning how to self-regulate, cultivating optimism and organisational awareness, being empathetic, building supportive relationships and networks and supporting others.
2. How does emotional intelligence help manage conflict?
EQ helps manage conflict by identifying tension and addressing it before it escalates. When we focus on developing EQ, we also foster healthier working relationships and improve team dynamics.
3. Does emotional intelligence help with communication at work?
Yes, EQ helps with communication at work because when we build awareness of our own feelings and behaviour, we can better communicate with others. Through cultivating empathy, we are better able to work through misunderstandings and accomplish tasks.
