Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. This ability also allows us to recognize and understand what others are experiencing emotionally.
Emotional intelligence involves being sensitive to and perceptive of other people’s emotions, and having the ability to intuitively facilitate improved performance based on this knowledge. The modern workplace is characterized by open communication, teamwork, and a mutual respect among employees and their supervisors. Understanding emotional intelligence in relation to building more successful partnerships with co-workers and clients can take many forms. The benefits of actively engaging in a better understanding of EI can lead to:
- Better listening skills
- More adaptable teams
- Effective personnel management
- A decrease in interpersonal conflict
- The development of leadership acumen
Relationships are so important to our success in business—and not just our relationships with clients. Our internal relationships, the ones we have with our colleagues and team members, are equally important. The business world is always changing and emotions are becoming a much more important aspect of working relationships. Having emotional intelligence increases your chances of being more accepted on teams and considered for leadership positions. It can also set you apart from the competition when seeking a new position or promotion.