Why Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence (EI) has proven to help leaders adapt to change, and the good news is that your EI can be developed.
EI is crucial for businesses due for the following reasons.
Improved leadership
Leaders with high EI can effectively understand and manage their own emotions, as well as empathise with and influence others. This enables them to lead with empathy, inspire their teams, and make sound decisions that consider both business goals and employee well-being.
Stronger relationships & teamwork
EI fosters positive and effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution among team members. Individuals with high emotional intelligence can navigate interpersonal dynamics, build trust, and create a harmonious work environment, leading to stronger teamwork and improved productivity.
Enhanced customer service
Employees can better understand and respond to the needs, emotions, and concerns of customers. By empathising with customers, they can provide personalised and empathetic support, leading to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and positive brand reputation.
Effective decision-making
EI allows individuals to consider not only logical and rational factors but also emotional aspects when making decisions. This enables them to weigh the impact on people, understand diverse perspectives, and make well-rounded choices that consider both business objectives and the well-being of stakeholders.
Adaptability & resilience
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, EI helps individuals navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and bounce back from setbacks. Emotionally intelligent people can manage stress, maintain a positive mindset, and remain focused and motivated during challenging times.
EI helps people connect and communicate effectively, make decisions, and manage stress, pressure and conflict. It enables people to instil confidence and belonging in others, engage and influence across boundaries, and respond with sensitivity and care even when challenged.
REF: Lopes, P., Côté, S., & Salovey, P. (2006).
CASE STUDIES
41 Executives from a large Australian Public Service Organisation completed the MSCEIT (EI), 16PF (Personality) and WASI (IQ).
Leadership effectiveness was measured using performance management ratings considering both business performance and interpersonal skills, alongside 360-degree feedback.
Correlational analysis revealed that higher EI was associated with higher leadership effectiveness.
REF: Rosete David; Does Emotional Intelligence play an important role in leadership effectiveness? PhD thesis, Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, 2007
A Government department focusing on EI competencies increased revenue by 53% in one year, and improved customer satisfaction scores to 4.71 out of 5 among top clients.
REF: Freedman, J. (2006). Case Study: GSA Region 3. Six Seconds