In today’s fast-paced, high-expectation work environments, it’s becoming increasingly important for employees to not only complete tasks efficiently but also to understand and respond to the emotions of their colleagues and clients.
This is where emotional intelligence(EI) comes in – a skill that is not only the foundation of teamwork but also a key to success.
Do You Already Know What Emotional Intelligence Is?
A) The ability to manage your own emotions but not others.
B) The ability to understand and manage both your own and others’ emotions
C) The ability to focus solely on rational decisions
Think About It Before You Answer.
Emotional intelligence isn’t just about controlling your own emotions. It’s actually the ability to understand not only your feelings but also the emotions and needs of others.
Pause for a moment and consider how people react when they feel truly understood. That’s part of EI – the ability to communicate in a way that makes everyone feel valued.
Ready to Answer?
The correct answer is:
B) The ability to understand and manage both your own and others’ emotions.
empathy – the ability to understand how another person feels and to respond accordingly.
Empathy: How Does It Help Us Collaborate?
One of the key components of emotional intelligence is empathy – the ability to understand how another person feels and to respond accordingly.
Empathy is more than just feeling sympathy – active listening and communication build stronger relationships in the workplace and support more effective teamwork.
Consider This Dialogue – is There Empathy Here?
Terje:“I’m tired and feel like I can’t keep going.”
Kristiina:“So what if you’re tired? We have deadlines – just do your part!”
Is that empathy? No. That’s an example of a lack of empathy. Terje needs understanding and support, not just pressure to perform.
True empathy would sound more like:
“How are you feeling? Is there something I can do to help?“
This kind of response builds trust and improves collaboration.
Empathy is also important in leadership. A leader who understands and considers their team’s emotional needs can foster a more open and trustworthy work environment.
Empathetic leaders offer support and feedback, enabling the team to work better together.
Emotional Intelligence Is a Skill You Can Develop
Here are a few strategies recommended by psychologists to help develop emotional intelligence in the workplace:
1. Self-Awareness:
When you understand your own emotions, you can manage them better. For example, if you feel irritated, ask yourself:
“What’s really behind this? Is it the workload or something else?“
Emotional awareness helps us avoid overreacting and stay balanced.
When we can recognize our internal responses, we’re better equipped to manage them and prevent emotions from taking over our work life.
2. Self-Regulation:
When you feel anger or stress, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or taking a short break.
Emotional regulation is especially crucial during high-pressure moments like tight deadlines.
Even small pauses can help us maintain control and keep emotions in check.
Effective communication is one of the core components of emotional intelligence.
Social Awareness:
When you notice a colleague struggling or feeling overlooked, you can step in, offer support, and prevent potential conflicts.
Social awareness means recognizing others’ emotions and responding appropriately.
By staying attuned to what’s happening around us, we can provide support when needed and reduce tension in the team.
4. Communication Skills:
Effective communication is one of the core components of emotional intelligence.
Active listening and empathy ensure that your message lands as intended.
It’s also essential to pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues – which often say more than words.
For example, if a colleague says,“I’m fine”, with a clenched fist, it’s a sign something deeper may need to be addressed.
In a workplace where emotional intelligence is high, there’s less conflict, more collaboration, and more satisfied employees. And these employees are often more productive.
While many organizations focus on technical skills, interpersonal skills shouldn’t be underestimated.
Emotional intelligence may be the factor that separates an average employee from an outstanding one.
In a workplace where emotional intelligence is high, there’s less conflict and more collaboration
Developing Emotional Intelligence at Work: A Smart Investment
Developing emotional intelligence at work is more than just following“good practices” – it’s a practical investment that improves teamwork, increases employee satisfaction, and boosts overall organizational success.
When employees can understand and respond to their own and others’ emotions, build strong relationships, and grow their empathy, they’re able to work more effectively and with greater balance.
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a skill – it’s a way of life that makes work more meaningful.
When we’re able to understand not only our own feelings but also those of others, we can work together to achieve more and create better results.
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Anastassia is a psychologist specializing in counselling psychology, workplace well-being, and group facilitation. She develops mental health strategies and tools for organizations, designs and delivers trainings, and helps teams create healthier, more supportive work environments.
Anastassia Murašina
