So, one can say that, in the workplace, EQ matters more than IQ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why today, we\u2019re going over the basics of emotional intelligence and answering the questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What is emotional intelligence and why is it important in the workplace?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are the main components or aspects of emotional intelligence?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How can we improve emotional intelligence?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Emotional](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Emotional-Intelligence-in-the-Workplace-cover-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand, and manage our own feelings as well as those of others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Emotional intelligence or EQ in the workplace is reflected in our capability to understand other people\u2019s points of view or emotions when they don\u2019t necessarily coincide with our own.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There are 5 components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EQ is vital in the workplace because it:\n
- \n
- Improves teamwork,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improves career prospects,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduces stress,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increases accountability,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improves the workplace environment,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improves motivation and engagement, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Builds effective communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is emotional intelligence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand, and manage our own feelings as well as those of others. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term, first coined by Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer, was introduced in 1990 and has since become a commonplace phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ<\/em><\/a>, Daniel Goleman defines emotional intelligence as \u201cthe capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and our relationships.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Free team communication app<\/span>\nImprove collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nImportance of emotional intelligence in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence or EQ at the workplace is reflected in our capability to understand other people\u2019s points of view or emotions when they don\u2019t necessarily coincide with our own. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
EQ is crucial for our ability to maintain effective interpersonal communication<\/a> in the workplace, which also means it can severely impact our overall performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, it\u2019s so vital that Goleman considers it a \u201ccritical predictor of success in life\u201d<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, people with high levels of emotional intelligence in the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Are more motivated and inspired,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can think more laterally, thus making better decisions,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can recognize various opportunities for growth, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are more capable of recognizing and resolving conflicts<\/a>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are generally more satisfied with their job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence is a skill equally important for employees and leaders because it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Improves teamwork,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improves career prospects,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduces stress,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increases accountability,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improves the workplace environment,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improves motivation and engagement, <\/strong>and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Builds effective communication.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To give you a better idea of why you should work on your own emotional intelligence, we\u2019ll take a more detailed look at each of these points and further explain how they correlate to emotional intelligence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence and teamwork<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More emotionally intelligent employees work better in a team because they are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Better communicators,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- More open to their coworkers\u2019 ideas, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Less likely to take complete control over a project. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Emotionally intelligent employees are considerate and <\/strong>communicate respectfully<\/strong><\/a> with others<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s more, emotional intelligence enables them to build trusting relationships<\/strong><\/a> with their coworkers<\/strong>, which further improves their teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of our contributors, Kathryn Boudreau<\/a>, a Remote Operation Manager at Spread Great Ideas, shared with us her opinion on how emotional intelligence correlates to teamwork:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Kathryn](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Kathryn-Boudreau.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cEmotional intelligence builds self-awareness and helps you better relate to others at work, leading to better communication. It helps build better self-regulation and interpersonal relationships, allowing teams to work towards organizational goals regardless of the challenges.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn other words, self-regulation, a component of emotional intelligence, improves your workflow with your team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Boost teamwork and collaborate in real time<\/span>\nSecure and reliable team communication app for professionals. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nEmotional intelligence and career prospects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The qualities of effective leaders<\/a> correlate with high emotional intelligence. Great leaders are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Patient,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Active listeners,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Resilient,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Positive, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Empathetic<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, there shouldn\u2019t be many things more important than emotional intelligence for managers and leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, if you\u2019re wondering how emotional intelligence can help you if you\u2019re neither a manager nor a leader, research on emotional intelligence<\/a> says \u2014 quite a lot. Having high EQ enables you to build closer working relationships and understand your role in the team<\/strong> and the company, which increases your chances of promotions and raises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence reduces stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to the research Emotional Intelligence and Stress Coping: An Organizational Perspective<\/em><\/a>, self-motivation and emotional health can greatly contribute to the effectiveness of coping with stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
People with high EQ are more likely to be able to manage and regulate their own emotions in stressful situations<\/strong>, thus mitigating the negative effects of stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of succumbing to pressure during stressful times, these employees show emotional self-control and resiliency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to those qualities, they overcome professional obstacles with more confidence and ease than those with lower EQ scores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our contributor Cheryl Brown Merriwether<\/a>, Senior Professional in Human Resources and Vice President of the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (ICARE), observed something similar over the course of her career:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Cheryl](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cheryl-Brown-Merriwether.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe workplace has always been a high-stress environment. Individuals differ in their abilities to cope with stress. Some choose unhealthy methods that lead to struggles with mental health, substance misuse, or other behavioral health issues.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence benefits individuals by providing them with skills needed to improve working relationships and develop higher levels of resilience in response to change, and increasing self-awareness and greater self-control.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence and accountability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Theodore Roosevelt once said: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cThe only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\u2014 Theodore Roosevelt<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
So, if you work, you\u2019re bound to make some mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mistakes you make don\u2019t define you \u2014 but how you deal with them is what makes a difference in how you\u2019re perceived in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managers and employees with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to <\/strong>promote accountability<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>constructive feedback<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give and ask for feedback on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, they often own up to their mistakes and seek help to correct them. Thanks to higher levels of self-awareness, they are unlikely to pass the blame on others or get defensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence and the workplace environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For a workplace environment to be an area of enjoyment, employees should respect one another and get along with one another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotionally intelligent employees help reduce stress and <\/strong>boost morale<\/strong><\/a> in the workplace, making a healthy company culture<\/strong> \u2014 something our contributor Merriweather highlights as vital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cIn today\u2019s stressful workplace, emotional intelligence teaches people how to constructively \u2018blow off steam\u2019 and resolve conflict, which protects the safety of the individual and others and fosters a culture of workplace wellness.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca1 PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need help with creating a positive work environment, we have a whole blog post on that topic \u2014 check it out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 9 Powerful Ways to Create and Maintain Positive Work Environment (+ Examples)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence and employee motivation and engagement <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to the 2023 study The Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction<\/em><\/a>, emotional intelligence in the workplace is directly related to employees\u2019 level of enthusiasm<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employees with high EQs can maintain effortless interpersonal communication and relationships with their coworkers, which increases overall engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from that, more emotionally intelligent employees are also more dedicated to their job,<\/strong> and dedication greatly influences a company\u2019s bottom line. According to Pumble\u2019s 2023 Employee engagement statistics<\/a>, companies with highly engaged employees have 5 times higher profit margins than companies with disengaged employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engage your employees on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employee engagement is what makes or breaks a company. To learn how to ensure your employees are dedicated and thus engaged, read the following article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to improve employee engagement in the workplace<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence and effective communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Last but not least, emotional intelligence enables you to stay calm under pressure and be in control of your emotions, thus making your communication effective<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotionally intelligent employees don\u2019t let their emotions negatively affect their communication. Instead, even when dealing with obstacles or deadlines at work, they stay calm and <\/strong>communicate their expectations clearly<\/strong><\/a> and effectively<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, emotional intelligence enables you to read the situation and restrain yourself from responding impulsively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This diplomatic manner of communication also prevents conflicts and builds trust between colleagues<\/strong> \u2014 as noted by Dr. Gena Cox<\/a>, an Organizational Psychologist and Founder of Feels Human, LLC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Gena-Cox.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cEmotional intelligence helps managers and colleagues understand \u2018what is really happening here\u2019 \u2014 the unspoken context that is as important as what is spoken out loud. When people lack this intelligence, they come across as lacking empathy, because they do not pick up on nonverbal cues. And they are not easily trusted.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nFinally, emotional intelligence makes you a more assertive communicator<\/a> \u2014 it allows you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Respectfully communicate your needs, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Effectively present your ideas, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be proactive. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Improve team communication<\/span>\n
Secure, real-time communication for professionals. Discuss, share & collaborate.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-4.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Effective communication is essential in the workplace. To learn how you can harness the power of effective communication, read the following article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to become an effective communicator<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
5 Components of emotional intelligence (and how to improve them)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve seen how emotional intelligence can make a difference in the workplace, it\u2019s time to take a closer look at the components of emotional intelligence to further answer the question, \u201cWhat does emotional intelligence mean?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goleman outlines 5 elements of emotional intelligence: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Self-awareness,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Self-regulation,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Motivation,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Empathy, <\/strong>and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Social skills.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"Elements](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Emotional-Intelligence-1-min.png\")
Elements of emotional intelligence<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Element #1: Self-awareness <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to Goleman, self-awareness is the crucial component of emotional intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is the ability to recognize and understand a feeling as it happens<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This element is the keystone to psychological insight and self-understanding \u2014 if we\u2019re not able to recognize our true feelings, we\u2019re at their mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consequently, being aware of our emotions makes us better pilots in our lives. We\u2019re in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-awareness is something we should continuously work on, so here are the top 3 tips on how to do that in the workplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to improve self-awareness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Write down your plans and priorities <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you want to raise your self-awareness, the first thing you need to do is write down your plans and priorities for the day or the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This exercise will help you track your progress and see if you stick to your agenda<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even the famous Benjamin Franklin used a somewhat similar method to increase his own self-awareness \u2014 he used to write a so-called \u2018balance sheet\u2019, in which he would list both the assets and liabilities of his personal traits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This helped him better assess his character and identify opportunities for improvement, and it can do the same for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep track of your plans on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Take psychometric tests<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Psychometric tests are not reserved for HR professionals and the recruitment process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can be a useful tool for your journey to your better self, as they can help you better understand your true personality and see what your strengths and weaknesses are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A plethora of psychometric tests are at your disposal \u2014 the most famous ones being: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DISC. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
These tests help you better understand your true personality, strengths, and weaknesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Get regular feedback at work<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
According to Pumble\u2019s 2023 Communication in the workplace statistics<\/a>, 72% of employees feel they would be more productive if given regular feedback<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If done well, constructive feedback enables you to better understand your strengths and weaknesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is an irreplaceable tool for continued learning and improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the example below, Judith is unsure whether her latest project was satisfactory, so she\u2019s asking for her manager\u2019s feedback via her company\u2019s team collaboration software<\/a>, Pumble by CAKE.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Asking](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Asking-for-feedback-in-Pumble.png\")
Asking for feedback in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
- Get regular feedback at work<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Take psychometric tests<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Self-regulation,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Self-awareness,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to become an effective communicator<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- How to improve employee engagement in the workplace<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- 9 Powerful Ways to Create and Maintain Positive Work Environment (+ Examples)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Improves career prospects,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are generally more satisfied with their job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- What are the main components or aspects of emotional intelligence?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-4@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n