Emotional intelligence is an increasingly relevant topic in our lives, especially concerning our mental health. Nowadays, the term emotional intelligence is widely discussed, and many may have heard of it and have some understanding of what it entails. Emotional intelligence, known by its abbreviation (EI), is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, as well as to comprehend and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. To regulate our emotions, it is essential to develop self-motivation, which is the ability to motivate ourselves to achieve our goals.
To maintain a healthy coexistence, it is essential to have control over all those emotions that impact our daily lives, regardless of the situation we are going through. This balanced relationship between our emotions and our environment (work, family, personal life, among others) will contribute to our well-being and adaptability in our interactions with the people around us, ultimately leading to optimal development in our daily activities. It is important to mention that emotions are sudden and rapid changes we experience from our mood, all those fleeting sensations that we perceive, the ones that come and go through various circumstances.
Goleman (1995) suggests:
“Intelligence is defined as the ability to solve problems and create behaviors with cultural value; therefore, emotional intelligence will be the capacity to solve emotional problems, involving control over the impulses we feel in specific situations”.
Now, do we have control over our reactions and expressions? Do we think before we act? Do we have self-control? These are key questions we should reflect on in our daily lives. We must not only be intelligent in our everyday tasks but also internalize and resolve our own internal and external conflicts—those that are sometimes visible and others that cannot be noticed at first glance. Our responses are often intertwined with our emotions. Whether they are negative or positive, they will have an impact on our social interactions and our work environment.
It's worth noting that emotional intelligence (EI) is one of the most sought-after soft skills in professionals today. It holds a higher degree of importance in its impact on organizations. As a result, those who can intelligently master their emotions tend to have positive interpersonal relationships and a better work environment.
This has become an increasingly relevant topic in the world of work. Companies are placing importance on having employees who are not only competent in their technical skills but also in their ability to manage their emotions and relate effectively to others. This serves as the foundation for learning the appropriate behavior for specific situations that arise and contributes to an optimal work environment.
In the workplace, this skill can make a difference between an employee with average performance and one who stands out for their ability to lead, work in teams, and resolve conflicts.
Benefits of Emotional Intelligence in Organizations
Companies that promote emotional intelligence among their employees can experience various benefits, including:
1. Increased Productivity
Employees with high emotional intelligence are often more motivated and committed to their work, resulting in higher productivity.
2. Better Leadership
Leaders with high emotional intelligence can motivate and guide their teams effectively, leading to improved performance and job satisfaction.
3. Enhanced Collaboration
Employees with high emotional intelligence can work well in teams and resolve conflicts effectively.
4. Improved Mental Health
Employees with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle stress and pressure, leading to improvements in their mental health and well-being.
Emotional intelligence is a critical factor in organizational success. Fostering emotional intelligence in employees can lead to increased productivity, better leadership, enhanced collaboration, and improved mental health, aiming to create a healthier and more productive work environment for all.
In this article, we provide some tips for developing emotional intelligence.
1. Practice Self-Awareness
This is the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions. It's important to learn to identify your emotions and understand how they influence your behavior. One way to do this is through meditation or breathing exercises.
2. Learn to Listen Actively
Active listening is an important skill for effective communication. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and try to understand their perspective. Avoid interrupting and ask questions for clarification.
3. Learn to Control Your Emotions
Controlling emotions is an important skill for avoiding reactions in stressful situations. To develop this skill, it's important to learn to take deep breaths and count to ten before reacting to a tense situation.
4. Develop Empathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. To develop this skill, it's important to practice active listening and try to see things from others' perspectives.
5. Work in Teams
Working in teams is an important skill for emotional intelligence. To develop this skill, it's important to learn to listen to others, share your ideas, and work together to achieve a common goal.
In summary, developing emotional intelligence in employees is essential for creating a healthy and productive work environment.
“In summary, developing emotional intelligence in employees is essential for creating a healthy and productive work environment." “Sócrates"
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