If favourable work culture, Employee engagement and motivation enhance productivity in an organization, Emotional Intelligence or Emotional quotient acts as a catalyst in achieving competitive advantage and higher productivity for the organization. In this dynamic business environment, global market competition and uncertainties, the challenges brought by Industry 4.0 and digital transformation necessitate the organization to be more adaptive, flexible, innovative and creative. EI gives the advantage in achieving organizational goals including productivity. Let’s know and understand EI.

What is EI?

“Emotional intelligence is your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behaviour and relationships.” (Travis Bradberry). Emotional Intelligence is our mind’s ability to perceive, manage, and express emotions effectively in real life.

Components of EI

The core components of EI are

1. Self-awareness – Knowing your emotions, strengths and weaknesses and their impact.
2. Self-management – Regulation of positive and negative emotions, impulse control,flexibility and adaptability.
3. Social- awareness – Creating networks and trusted relationships proactively.
4. Empathy – ability to empathise with others.
5. Relationship management – Persuasive communication, motivation, building bonds and resolving conflicts.

EI and Productivity

Researchers indicate that in highly productive companies’, effective leadership raises productivity. For effective leadership, EI advantage or EI benefits become necessary. EI is needed to develop effective entrepreneurship and leadership in achieving organizational goals and success.

Here’s how

EI and Leadership Effectiveness

Leadership is an emotion-inducing phenomenon (Goleman, 1995). People with high EQ understand their own emotions, thoughts and feelings and have greater acceptance towards others’ opinions, emotions and ideas. These build trust among employees and therefore lead to better collaboration and effective team management. Emotionally intelligent leaders communicate effectively and safely. They use “I feel….” statements to express their personal feelings to resolve a conflict among teammates. Similarly, when confronting subordinates, a leader respects the other person’s character through actions, tone and words. Rather than showing what he doesn’t agree on, a leader with high EI helps the team to determine what they agree on. An effective leader gives constructive feedback to the team instead of personal criticism. Leaders with high EI are self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses leading to careful and thoughtful decisions and actions. Emotionally intelligent leaders exhibit self-control during challenging times, not reacting to the situations and people, but proacting. They don’t lead their emotions to take control over them but remain calm and poised. Leaders with high EI have higher self-confidence that can inspire and motivate the team.

How to enhance EI?

EI is an essential leadership skill that can be achieved through training and practice. Practicing EI is a lifetime process. Here are some ways that you can enhance EI besides training:

1. Observe and identify your feelings and emotions.
2. Take responsibility for your feelings and actions.
3. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
4. Be empathetic towards others.
5. Be approachable.
6. Practice mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques to keep you calm and focused.

Given the evidence, and multidimensional advantage of the EI training program to employees, EQ has the prowess to unlock new vistas for success. Therefore, it is recommended that organisations should increase training programs to enhance the emotional competencies of managers and workers.