The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the ‘New Normal’

Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ (emotional quotient), plays an integral role in our daily lives by allowing us to navigate relationships and social dynamics. One of the key aspects of EQ is the ability to be aware of your emotions and to understand why you’re experiencing them. By gaining this understanding, you become more aware of why others may be experiencing certain emotions. This can then help with social interactions – allowing you to support and influence people effectively.

EQ is really important in the workplace where stress and anxiety can pop up at anytime. And that was before COVID-19 (however long ago that was – it feels like forever!) With many people working remotely and adapting to the pros and cons of the experience, being able to understand why employees or colleagues may behave in a certain way can help you to manage workflow and expectations.

Here are some quick tips to help you boost your EQ in today’s workplace.

1) Breathe in… Breath out

One of the first steps in practicing emotional intelligence is self-management. In other words this is your ability to deal with upsetting emotions such as stress. When we’re stressed, maybe with the kids giving you flack from the left and that vital meeting on Zoom from the right; we’re often overwhelmed. This causes us to lose control of our emotions. Taking a step back from a stressful interaction or task, and taking a few deep breaths canbe highly effective in calming you down – allowing you to think clearer.

2) Check yourself before you wreck yourself

The second step in practicing emotional intelligence is self-awareness. Being self-aware is your ability to understand your self and the position you hold in your respective social settings. Our self-awareness is driven by mindfulness, which is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment – becoming more in tune with your emotional and physical sensations. By shifting your focus from the preoccupation of your thoughts to the present, mindfulness helps with the ability to deal with your emotions and interactions appropriately.

3) Learn to see conflict as an opportunity to grow closer to others

Conflict and disagreements are inevitable in human relationships. However, they can lead to positive outcomes. By practicing emotional intelligence and mindfulness, we’re able to gain a greater sense of perspective, which empowers us to approach conflict in creative and constructive ways.

If you would like to find out more about Emotional Intelligence and other courses within our Modern Business Skills category, contact us or register for a free trial to see how our content can help develop employees at all levels in your organization.