The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Success
Recently I finished running a ‘Wellbeing’ workshop for professionals, based on the science of Emotional Intelligence. After the workshop a participant asked me “Have you always been this together?” The question surprised me and made me smile….did I have “it” together? I thought about the question for a short while and my honest answer was “No!” ….. and to elaborate, I never have it “always” together. But it is something I have been developing and improving over the years.
Emotions are powerful influencers in both our personal and professional lives, and they shape our interactions and experiences. We can experience feelings, from joy to sorrow and anger, sometimes in one day, and they play a significant role in defining the fabric of our existence.
Take a minute to think of moments when you were joyful or anger colored your day – a successful and fun weekend or a frustrating encounter at work. How did these emotions influence your mood, energy, and interactions. Emotions aren't always fleeting; they can leave a lasting imprint on our day an affect our behaviours and decisions.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) or Emotional Quotient (EQ) is a skill set that we can develop, and it empowers us to perceive, understand, and manage our emotions and better understand the emotions of others. As crucial as intellectual prowess (IQ), EI guides us in making intelligent responses, rather than reactions, to the emotions that surround us.
In the professional sphere, Emotional Intelligence is the foundation of our self-awareness, empathy, leadership, and resilience. We live in a world where efficiency is paramount and change is constant, these skills are vital for success. Regardless of your role, navigating emotions, understanding their impact, and managing interpersonal dynamics are keys to satisfaction and success.
The Genos model outlines six core competencies for mastering emotionally intelligent workplace behaviors:
Self Awareness: Understand your own emotions and their impact.
Awareness of Others: Perceive and comprehend the emotions of those around you.
Authenticity: Be genuine and true to yourself in your interactions.
Emotional Reasoning: Make informed decisions based on emotional understanding.
Self-Management: Effectively manage your own emotions.
Positive Influence: Inspire and guide others through positive emotional interactions.
Our professional and personal lives are complex and intertwined. As we navigate this landscape, we can’t underestimate the profound influence of our emotions and the emotions of others. When we embrace and refine our Emotional Intelligence, we will unlock the potential for richer relationships, effective leadership, and heightened personal satisfaction.
Over the coming weeks, we will look at each of these core competencies of emotional intelligence and offer you practical tips to develop them.
I look forward to sharing the journey of developing emotional intelligence with you!
Cheers
Sonia