EQ, or emotional intelligence, is a term that is frequently used in business. It can be defined as the ability to understand others on an emotional level, as well as what motivates them to work productively. A high EQ in business can help individuals empathize and negotiate with colleagues, yielding more success.
EQ as a Foundation
Research has shown that EQ is the strongest predictor of performance in the workplace, accounting for 58 percent of success in all types of jobs. Typically, there are five categories of emotional intelligence acknowledged by experts in this area:
Self-awareness. The ability to be emotionally aware and self-confident in the moment.
Self-regulation. The ability to mediate your emotions, particularly the negative ones (e.g., anger, anxiety).
Motivation. The tendency to motivate yourself to achieve any goal.
Empathy. The ability to recognize others’ emotions and how they impact your own chances of success.
Social. Also known as “people skills.” The ability to converse, empathize and negotiate with others.
With these skills, researchers believe that individuals can increase their EQ and value in the workplace. In turn, this boosts their level of career success over time.
Can You Develop EQ?
Experts believe that EQ is something that can be developed, which is good news for those who want to improve their rating. Travis Bradberry, author of “Emotional Intelligence 2.0,” believes that the communication between the emotional and rational side of the brain is the physical source of EQ. In order for one to build his or her EQ, both of these sides need to have effective communication, according to Bradberry.
“Plasticity” is the word that neurologists use to describe the brain’s ability to change, effectively confirming that individuals can improve their minds over time. This happens as they learn new skills and additional brain cells are developed to support them.
Improving Your EQ
There are small changes that can be implemented immediately to improve EQ. Reducing negative emotions is one, and it can be done through the use of affirmative statements and general positive thinking. Compare the following phrases below:
Negative: “I am asking my boss for a promotion. I will be extremely upset if I do not receive it.”
Positive: “I am asking my boss for a promotion. If I don’t receive it, I know I am still a valuable employee.”
Managing negativity is essential to EQ, but it does not only apply to one’s self. Individuals must also be willing to confront negativity in the workplace that comes from other people. For instance, breathing techniques can reduce the stress that stems from negative conversations in the workplace. Exercising empathy can also reduce tension in a negative situation.
Managers of businesses may want to try coaching programs for their employees. Data shows that a well-designed coaching intervention can potentially improve EQ by 25 percent, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Focusing on the coaching of upper management is also essential, as these individuals are typically responsible for employee disengagement. Helping executives improve their EQ can ultimately reduce stress in the workplace while increasing productivity and success.
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