MERCY NYAMU: How emotionally intelligent are you?

IQ gets you hired. EQ gets you promoted. Such a cliché you might say?

This assertion underscores the significance of blending both cognitive intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) within professional settings.

While IQ typically addresses the technical facets of a role, EQ, embracing empathy, effective communication, and self-awareness, becomes indispensable for fostering robust interpersonal connections, conflict resolution, and motivation.

Recognizing the correlation between cognitive intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for achieving professional success.

While a high IQ may aid in securing initial employment, it is proficiency in understanding and managing emotions, as well as skillfully navigating social interactions, that typically drives career advancement and leadership roles.

Emphasizing the synergy between IQ and EQ is essential for reaching professional milestones: -

1. 1. The cornerstone of emotional intelligence (EQ) lies in fostering self-awareness. This entails identifying the triggers that elicit a range of emotional reactions, including excitement, anxiety, vigor, lethargy, satisfaction, disillusionment, happiness, sadness, and even anger.
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3. While it's often suggested that EQ correlates with age, I maintain that it is predominantly dependent on an individual's degree of self-awareness. Nonetheless, as one grows older, there tends to be an increased likelihood of recognizing these traits within oneself, although this is not guaranteed for everyone.
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5. 2. The second facet of EQ pertains to self-management – the ability to adeptly regulate your emotions as they surface. Reflect on a situation where someone triggered feelings of frustration, anger, or dissatisfaction.
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7. How did you handle that circumstance? Were you able to navigate your emotions constructively, sustaining productivity, or did the incident linger, impacting you until you addressed it with the individual involved?

A fundamental characteristic of an effective leader is their capacity for self-management. Therefore, understanding your triggers and developing coping strategies is paramount, especially in leadership positions.

I recognize specific occasions, interactions, or individuals that may elicit a response from me. In these instances, I concentrate on empowering myself to transcend and prevent external influences from dictating my emotions.

I reinforce my mindset with two essential affirmations:

1. “Small things amuse small minds, so – just be the bigger person.”

2. “The only way they can win is if you let them. So, win the day!”

Now I can’t tell you I am always the bigger person or that I always win the day, but I can tell you I try!

1. 3. The third dimension of EQ involves empathetically comprehending the emotions, triggers, responses, and interactions of others. Fearless Leaders demonstrate a robust EQ, adept at managing their emotions to foster positive influences on their acquaintances, loved ones, coworkers, and community.

This encompasses recognizing what prompts emotional reactions in others and proactively navigating such situations to cultivate healthy relationships.

Developing EQ may pose challenges, yet it is among the most pivotal attributes in making a significant impact, ultimately leading to profound growth and success in life.

What are the benefits of Emotional intelligence in the workplace?

• Individuals with high EQ can communicate effectively, understand others' perspectives, and convey their thoughts and feelings clearly, leading to improved collaboration and reduced misunderstandings.
• Better leadership: Leaders with strong EQ can inspire and motivate their teams, manage conflicts constructively, and provide empathetic support, resulting in higher employee morale, loyalty, and productivity.
• Effective conflict resolution: Employees with high EQ can manage conflicts with tact and empathy, finding mutually beneficial solutions and maintaining positive relationships, fostering a harmonious work environment.
• Improved decision-making: Emotional intelligence enables individuals to weigh emotions alongside facts and logic when making decisions, leading to more thoughtful, well-rounded choices that consider both short-term and long-term consequences.
• Increased resilience: Individuals with high EQ can navigate stress and setbacks more effectively, bouncing back from challenges with resilience, adaptability, and a positive outlook, which is crucial in dynamic and fast-paced work environments.
• Reduced turnover: A workplace culture that values emotional intelligence tends to foster greater job satisfaction, employee engagement, and loyalty, leading to lower turnover rates and higher retention of talented individuals.