Building an emotionally intelligent workplace

In the second of our two-part series on Emotional Intelligence we look at simple steps to building an emotionally intelligent workplace.

Fostering emotional intelligence (also called the Emotional Quotient, or EQ)  at work can help your employees work more productively and be more receptive to change.

At managerial level, emotional intelligence can help your leadership team to build positive relationships with those they manage; effectively delivering difficult feedback when required, remaining calm under pressure, leading by example and resolving conflict effectively.

A leader with developed emotional intelligence has the ability to make the right decision first time because EQ offers a wider lens by which to see which course is the correct one.

In such an environment, employees feel truly valued and appreciated and are more likely to stick around when things get tough…think about the value of that in the content of the current pandemic environment!

So how can we foster emotional intelligence within a business? And what is the dollar investment to start?

The good news is that insight and awareness around the feelings of others is a skill that can be learned and developed. Many of the recommended EQ self-development techniques for individuals have the benefit of being either low cost or no cost.  Check out these two examples:

1. Everything starts at the top

Leaders set the tone for organisational culture and communication. The inability (or unwillingness) to effectively communicate with their team or collaborate with others may result in far-reaching consequences, including lower employee engagement and a higher turnover rate.

Role modelling your desired EQ here is key: model the behavioural responses that you want to see in others. Employees will typically mirror the behavioural standards set by their leaders. EQ demonstrated from the top equals the start of an emotionally intelligent workplace.

 2. Respond instead of reacting to conflict

During instances of conflict, emotional outbursts and feelings of anger are common. The emotionally intelligent person knows how to stay calm during stressful situations. These individuals are less likely to make impulsive decisions that can lead to even bigger problems. They understand that in times of conflict the goal is a resolution, and they make a conscious choice to focus on ensuring that their actions and words are in alignment with that.

Studies show that an emotionally intelligent workplace is one with an improved bottom line; seeing major increases in total sales and productivity as well as decline in employee turnover. And Bare Bones Consulting can help your business tap into this valuable resource. With over 20 years in the HR game including 16 years at HR Manager level, we are specialists in designing professional development programs that boost employee engagement and get the best from your people. Giving us a call costs nothing. Why not pick up the phone today?