Emotional intelligence, also known as emotional-social intelligence, is an increasingly sought-after skill in today's organizations, especially at the level of leaders and managers.
What do we mean by “emotional intelligence”?
Developed in the early 1980s by Reuven Bar-On, an Israeli-Canadian psychologist and researcher, it refers to a person's ability to recognize, understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of others.
The 5 key principles of emotional intelligence:
Self-awareness is the first step to understanding the impact we have on others and to improving our emotional management and reactions.
It is essential to know yourself by identifying
our forces,
our weaknesses,
our personal values,
and our emotional triggers.
In practice
A leader demonstrates self-awareness by recognizing their own limitations and asking for help when needed, thereby showing humility and authenticity.
A person with strong self-awareness knows how to recognize and manage their own emotions during stressful situations, which allows them to maintain calm and make thoughtful decisions.
2. Self-control involves regulating and managing our own emotions, impulses, and behaviors appropriately, even in stressful or difficult situations.
This implies the ability
to delay gratification,
to control impulsive reactions,
and manage stress effectively.
In practice
In a stressful work environment, an individual with self-control will avoid reacting impulsively or aggressively, but rather maintain composure and find solutions calmly.
A person demonstrating self-control can deal with criticism or professional failures without letting their negative emotions take over, allowing them to bounce back more quickly.
3. Social awareness , also called empathy , involves understanding and perceiving the emotions of others, as well as their perspectives and feelings.
It is important
to be attentive to the emotional cues of others,
to be able to put yourself in their place,
and respond with compassion and sensitivity.
In practice
A socially conscious leader is attentive to the needs of their team members, recognizes their emotions , and takes steps to support them during difficult times.
A person with high social awareness demonstrates empathy by understanding the concerns and perspectives of colleagues , which helps create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
4. Relationship management involves establishing and maintaining positive and productive interpersonal relationships with others.
This includes
effective communication,
conflict resolution,
Cooperation,
the collaboration,
and the development of support networks.
In practice
A person who excels in relationship management is able to resolve interpersonal conflicts by fostering open dialogue and finding solutions that satisfy the stakeholders involved.
A leader with strong relationship management skills knows how to establish and maintain relationships of trust with their colleagues, thus promoting open communication and effective collaboration within the team.
5. Emotional adaptability involves adjusting and adapting to emotional changes, different situations and various people encountered in daily life.
That implies
emotional flexibility,
resilience,
and the ability to learn lessons to adapt and grow as an individual.
In practice
A leader with great emotional adaptability is able to adjust quickly to unexpected changes and maintain positivity , which helps inspire confidence and maintain motivation in their team.
In the context of a crisis or intense stress, a person with strong emotional adaptability is able to manage their own negative emotions and remain calm , allowing them to make rational decisions and lead effectively during difficult times.
By developing our emotional intelligence, we can improve
our relationships,
our professional efficiency,
and our personal well-being.
It is a key skill for succeeding in today's workplace and for creating a harmonious and productive work environment.
What principle will you develop today?
For further
Professional training
Emotional intelligence at the heart of impactful leadership
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