The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Some people might think of intelligence and emotions as being from two separate realms: rational and fact-based, and the other subjective and difficult to measure. However, in the 1990s, psychologists began using the phrase "emotional intelligence" to describe people who effectively managed their own emotions, recognized what others were feeling, and used emotions in decision-making, problem-solving, and communication. In fact, emotional intelligence may be an even greater predictor of leadership and success in the workplace than traditional intelligence. Since emotions such as fear, anxiety, and happiness can all affect how a person thinks and makes decisions, and since all of these emotions and more can be present in the workplace, learning how to deal with those emotions is critical. Researchers have founds that people who have higher emotional intelligence are better at conflict resolution, making decisions, solving problems, and managing stress​. They tend to respond well to constructive criticism and have empathy for others. In contrast, those with lower emotional intelligence may communicate in an aggressive or passive-aggressive way, criticizing or ignoring others' thoughts or contributions. They may be poor team players and avoid responsibility.
The good news is that emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed. Some people struggle with emotional intelligence simply because they have never learned to identify and analyze their own emotions. Becoming more self-aware, noticing how they are feeling, and looking at how they express those feelings, can help. People should also keep in mind that emotions are not permanent states of being and should try to avoid reacting impulsively, even to strong emotions. This can involve learning ways to deal with workplace stress, such as regular exercise or other enjoyable activities outside of work. People should also let go of the need to control situations. Developing empathy and social skills are also important. This leads to working and communicating more effectively with colleagues. In addition to noticing how others respond to them, including nonverbally, people should examine their own responses as well. Finally, building up a sense of intrinsic motivation is an important component of emotional intelligence. This means pursuing a sense of self-satisfaction and one's own goals instead of constantly looking for external validation for accomplishments. All of these skills will go a long way toward helping people succeed in the workplace.
Why Mutual Trust Is the Most Important Element of a Working Relationship
When you want to build a​ ​successful team​ in your company, mutual trust is one of the most important components. Every team member must trust that the others have their best interests at heart and want to complete the project. When employees feel like their manager trusts them, they feel valued and motivated to perform at their best. When employees feel comfortable with their manager, they're more likely to accept the manager's decisions regarding the team. But developing trust between people is difficult. Many people don't immediately and completely trust each other. Trust is built up between two people over a period of time. It must be developed and consistently maintained. Experts have discussed ways to build trust in the workplace and why trust is the key component to making employees feel safe. One great tip for managers is to ask employees open-ended questions and don't assume you know the answers. An open-ended question is anyone that can't be answered with a simple "Yes" or "No." Ask employees for their opinions, their expertise, and their input. Doing this is a good way to show that you value them and want to hear their perspective. The next key piece of advice is to show vulnerability. A vulnerable person is exposing themselves to potential ridicule or harm. It's easier to form a trusting bond when people have been vulnerable with each other. An easy means of doing this is by using an icebreaker at a
meeting. Introduce yourself and share a humorous story that paints you in a slightly self-deprecating light. Managers must also be very careful about the nonverbal cues and body language they give off. Some researchers believe that over half of human communication doesn't involve speech at all. Trust is built between people even when they aren't speaking. If your posture looks threatening or your movements seem angry, your employees are likely to become nervous around you. Similarly, if your body language is dismissive or irritable, employees will assume that you don't want to hear them speak. The last component for building mutual trust is to make sure you promote honesty and fairness in the workplace. As a manager, you have control over the environment, so you need to make sure it's a healthy one for your employees.
Resources for Prospective Volunteers
Muhammad Ali once said, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." Service work enriches the human experience. However, for the novice, it can be overwhelming. How do you begin? Where do you go? The United States Government has a website of resources to steer potential volunteers in the right direction. The basic components of this website are as follows:
Volunteering in a Tough Economy These are unprecedented times. Volunteering is more important than ever. Explore strategies to make the most of these challenges.
Building a Service Strategy in your State or City States, cities, and individual communities bring unique, local perspectives to maximize a strategy’s efficacy. Reach out to these boots on the ground.
Developing a More Diverse Volunteer Base Ours is a diverse country that prides itself on such a mosaic. In order to best achieve results, we need to mobilize everywhere, with everyone. Impact volunteering is one such example of how we can best engage in specific demographics with specific needs.
Volunteer Self-Organizing Give power to the people, and they will rise to the challenge. Do not fear delegating. Everyone must play their part.
Recruitment A strategy exists for every potential volunteer, particularly mobilizing young adults and/or college students. Be mindful of your target audience and how to best approach them. Consider appointing volunteer coordinators.
Retention Bringing people to the table means nothing if they won't sit down to eat. Make your opportunities so enticing they feel compelled to stay, knowing they will make a difference and be fulfilled.
Human Capital Strategies While time is money, sometimes actual currency is required. Learn how to secure funding and also explore pro-bono options.
Cost-Effective Volunteering There are indeed tax benefits for volunteering and other ways to ensure a minimal startup cost. Various financial incentives support philanthropic endeavors. Networking is key.
Voluntourism Why be a tourist when you could be a​ volun​tourist? Developing a mutually beneficial voluntourism program in your community can broaden horizons while exploring different opportunities in different spaces. This makes an ideal situation for shared communities.
How Nonprofits Have Adapted During COVID-19
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nonprofits have experienced a sharp decrease in donations. A small number of donors have reported that they don't feel comfortable donating money when their own financial situation is uncertain. A much larger percentage of donors still want to help but report that they're not sure how their donation will help people stricken by the pandemic. And since some facilities rely largely on in-person donations, stay-at-home orders have made it even more difficult for them to get the donations they need to stay afloat. As a result,​ ​nonprofits​ have found several ways to adapt during the pandemic. One way is by getting in touch with their donors through phone calls or physical letters. Many donors report that they still want to help--they're just unsure how to do so. By contacting their frequent donors directly, non-profits give them an avenue to help out their favorite churches and charities and rest assured that they know exactly where the money is going. Some non-profits are also making appeals to their communities that are similar to year-end appeals. They stress the importance of giving to charity during these unpredictable times and highlight how their community has been affected by the pandemic. By sharing their stories, they make the pandemic seem more "real" to their donors and encourage them to reach for their wallets. Nearly 50% of volunteers have reported that they plan to cease their volunteering activities due to health concerns. To keep people engaged in their charity, many non-profits are brainstorming
ways that volunteers can continue to help, even while they're sitting at home. This keeps the community engaged in their non-profit and encourages more donations during the pandemic. Additionally, the CARES Act of 2020 established a new tax deduction for certain charitable donations up to $300. Some non-profits have been emphasizing this fact to encourage the donations that the charity needs to stay alive. Finally, one of the biggest ways that non-profits have encouraged donations is simply by being honest. They've informed their donors that their non-profit is struggling and they need help. The non-profit benefits the entire community, and by making cash donations, they're not just helping themselves--they're helping their friends, neighbors, and all the people around them.