In the minds of some experts, emotional intelligence (EQ) has become more valuable in the workplace than the intelligence quotient (IQ). This may be in part because testing intelligence with an IQ test is now considered inaccurate at best and problematic at worst. Our traditional understandings of intelligence are quite narrow – only accounting for a small part of what can lead to success in academia and the workplace.
Emotional intelligence is very simply the ability to identify and regulate one’s emotions – and thereby understand the emotions of others. It doesn’t sound like this kind of intelligence is particularly useful in the workplace but let me tell you – it's essential!
Are you an emotionally intelligent leader? What about your bosses, your managers, or the job candidates in consideration?
Here are the most telling signs that you’re dealing with a high EQ individual:
6 Signs of an Emotionally Intelligent Leader
Sign #1 – Instead of reacting, they respond.
In the workplace, knee-jerk reactions are rarely a good thing. A leader with emotional intelligence recognizes that acting on immediate emotion is a poor idea. Not only can an emotional outburst make their team feel unsafe (particularly where anger is involved), but we don’t think clearly when emotions run high.
Responding is different from reacting. A response is thoughtful and calculated. It doesn’t have to be entirely free of emotion, but it doesn’t hinge on it. Great leaders take the time to look at all angles and come up with positive solutions in response to crises: they don’t let their emotions dictate their response!
Sign #2 – They're empathetic to their team.
Empathy is one of the key indicators of emotional intelligence. As leaders, we must be able to listen to and understand our team. It makes us more open to new ideas, collaboration, and honest communication, all of which make for a more secure and healthy work environment! Don’t underestimate the power of empathy.
Sign #3 – They're masters of self-control.
Self-control goes beyond avoiding emotional reactions in the moment. Self-control, or self-management, means that you aren’t a slave to your emotions or impulses. A leader with self-control doesn’t let personal frustration bleed into work. Your team never has to walk on eggshells because they fear an explosive tirade on your bad days. Self-control means you think through your words and actions before they happen.
Sign #4 – The quality of their work is a high priority.
An aspect of self-management is self-regulation. Not only can you stay in control, but you can bring yourself down from emotional highs and dangerous impulses. This means that you are principled and focused. You keep your mind set on the right things and, most importantly, you hold yourself accountable! You’re accountable for the quality of your work, for how well you communicate and delegate, and for what you say and do in the workplace.
This is where you prove your values and code of ethics.
Sign #5 – They maintain and respect boundaries.
No matter what your role in the workplace is, you’ve got to have a healthy understanding of boundaries. This means both your personal boundaries and the boundaries of others. An emotionally intelligent person reads body language well. They pick up on subtle cues. They’re never oblivious to the comfort of other people.
Great leaders respect boundaries: period. Those boundaries can be your typical standards for workplace appropriateness, influencing topics of conversation and comments, language used, physical touch, and the respecting of privacy. It can also be boundaries like respecting “off the clock” time for both you and your team.
Sign #6 – They're self-aware and working to improve.
It’s easy to think that emotional intelligence is just about emotions, but that would be misleading. Emotional intelligence also indicates a high level of self-awareness. You’re able to put a name to your feelings and understand why you feel them. Similarly, you’re cognizant of your strengths and shortcomings. In a leadership role, this allows you to strategically and effectively utilize your team for the best outcomes, working off each member’s individual talents.
A leader with high EQ isn’t content to stay the same, either. They recognize their weaknesses and make strides to improve and overcome in those areas. They have an unshakeable growth mindset that doesn’t just bring about self-improvement: but it helps your whole team shine.
What role does EQ play in your professional life? Share in the comments.