In contemporary society, there are few skills  needed in the workplace that are as essential as emotional intelligence. Potential employees may believe otherwise, preferring to foster an image of analytical thinking and effective communication skills, however, what you may not realise it that many of the qualities, including these two stereotypical desired qualities, are encompassed in the personality of an individual with a high EQ.

Emotional intelligence or emotional quotient (EQ) is often neglected in place of intelligence quotient (IQ), specifically in a corporate work environment where emotions may have traditionally been discouraged. This is usually contradictory as businesses require their employees to possess skills related to EQ. Firstly, employees must be able to understand and comprehend instructions and tone of voice. Getting upset over a potentially hastily constructed sentence may lead to unnecessary conflicts and an inability to complete necessary tasks. Furthermore, employees that are able to manage their emotions in a positive way that reduces stress are more likely to perform and communicate effectively in a team. There is more to success than simply being ‘clever’.

Maintaining these interpersonal relationships both at home and in the workplace results in individual being better prepared to resolve unexpected challenges and conflict. One can easily see how a happier work environment is a more effective and thus more profitable one. Professionals that work on a majority solitary basis may laugh at the suggestion that EQ is essential in the office, however, will be able to conjure up an instance in which they were incredibly annoyed by a client or colleague and were unable to focus. This may have resulted in them taking their work home with them or making an error. The consequences to an inability to understand and control one’s own emotions and those of one’s colleagues range from being as small as having to redo work, to losing one’s job.

Luckily for both employees and employers, emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed and improved upon with the right guidance. Focusing on honing the qualities of self-awareness, self-regulation or management, general motivation and interpersonal skills are particularly important in the workplace. Each of these components will then assist both you and your employees in ensuring a high-functioning and stress free environment that has your business running like a well-oiled machine.