No Bad Hires

By Jennifer Leake

Emotional Intelligence at work

Everyone has emotions. It’s a part of being human. Whether we realize it or not, emotions have a daily impact. Not only on us, but on those around us. Both in the workplace and in our personal lives. There are pleasant feelings such as valued, appreciated and happy. There are unpleasant feelings - angry, anxious and stressed. The way we feel determines how we engage with others. When you feel appreciated, you give more effort. If you feel anxious, your behavior might be more reactive. This is known as Emotional Intelligence (EI) or Emotional Quotient (EQ).

EI is a set of skills that help to better perceive, understand and manage emotions in ourselves and others. No matter what the job function is, we all have interactions with other people. The capacity to understand emotions, to be aware of them and how they impact the way you behave and relate to others, will improve your “people skills.” Ultimately, you are more satisfied and successful.

Studies show that elevated levels of EI boost career success, mental health, relationships and happiness. Higher levels of EI are an antidote to work stress and builds personal resilience. Maybe your job requires dealing with hostile or difficult customers. You manage employees or interact with team members in the workplace. IQ isn’t your best tool in these cases, EQ is.

EQ used to be nice to have. Today it is a must have. Emotions influence, both productively and unproductively, our decisions, behaviors and performance. Companies may hire for IQ … but they will promote for EQ.

Executive Summary:

Emotional Intelligence used to be a “nice to have.” Now it is a must have.

What you need personally and in your workplace:

• Self-Awareness: Being aware of the way you feel and the impact your feelings have on you and others. • Awareness of Others: Perceiving, understanding, and acknowledging the way others feel. • Authenticity: Openly and effectively expressing yourself; honoring commitments; and encouraging this behavior in others. • Emotional Reasoning: Using your knowledge of feelings (both yours and others), combined with facts and other information, when decision making. • Self-Management: Managing your moods and emotions, time and behavior. To continuously seek personal improvement. • Positive Influence: Positively influencing the way others feel through problem solving, providing feedback, and recognizing and supporting the work of others.

For more information and guidance on each of these steps, listen to our short podcasts at SalesHiring StraightTalk.com. The results? Increased sales and customer service. More collaborative teams. Improved leadership and culture. More mentally healthy workplaces

Do you know what your employees are feeling or where they need help? Want to learn more on how to hire for and develop emotional intelligence? Visit www.AssessmentPros.com to learn more about EI and the BEST JOB EVER People System.