How to Become a High Emotional Intelligence Professional

Leaving the campus and entering the workplace, the significance of emotional intelligence increases. Except for a few technical positions, most jobs do not have strict requirements for intelligence. The strength of your professional abilities, interpersonal relationships, and adaptability to the corporate environment often depend on your level of emotional intelligence. Sometimes, emotional intelligence is more critical than working hard. So, how can we become professionals with high emotional intelligence in the workplace?

Here, Aniday have summarized several signs of high emotional intelligence in the workplace. Let's take a look together:

1. “One Kind Word Can Warm Three Winter Months”

When you encounter someone you appreciate in the workplace, you can express your admiration through your ability to speak and act, starting from compliments and extending to your work's arrangement and strategic policies. In the workplace, no one dislikes hearing compliments; this is a fundamental expression of high emotional intelligence. It will leave a positive impression in front of your superiors, colleagues, and clients, making it easier to follow up when you need their help.

2. Report Errors Privately

Even though they say there is no real friendship in the workplace, only eternal interests, when you find that your colleague has made a mistake at work or has done something wrong, privately reminding them of a few key points can make them more appreciative. Remember not to point out mistakes in public or mention them in reports to superiors. Instead, privately inform them sincerely. These seemingly insignificant acts can leave your colleagues grateful and appreciative, fostering harmonious relationships over time.

3. Understand Slang

There is a lot of slang in the workplace. Being able to understand what others are saying is an essential skill for anyone with high emotional intelligence. Being too blunt in the workplace is considered inappropriate, so you should be able to grasp the meaning behind what others say and understand the unspoken intentions. Do not misinterpret or make inappropriate jokes.

For example, "Let's meet another day" might mean "never"; "up-and-coming" might mean "not right now"; and "Are you in love?" might refer to your work not being up to par. Words do not always have their literal meanings; they depend on the speaker's intentions.

4. Pay Attention to Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues

In the workplace, it is essential to observe both spoken and unspoken cues to avoid unnecessary awkwardness. Stay relaxed if the other person is relaxed. If the other person is preoccupied or keeps checking the time while speaking to you, it means they either don't want to talk or have an urgent matter to attend to. In such cases, it's best to stop and give them space.

5. Be Gracious, Whether You Agree or Not

In the adult world, sometimes the absence of an answer is the answer. If a group of people is chatting and no one responds to what you say, appreciate the person who helps you continue the conversation. This not only diffuses awkwardness but also shows goodwill.

6. Practice Empathy

One of the core elements of emotional intelligence is empathy. This involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. To enhance your emotional intelligence, actively practice putting yourself in others' shoes, seeing situations from their perspective, and showing genuine concern for their well-being. Empathetic individuals are more approachable and create strong bonds with colleagues.

7. Conflict Resolution Skills

Conflcits are bound to happen in the workplace and what differentiates a high emotional intelligence emtional is the capability to deal with conflict resolution. They can navigate disagreements and disputes with a calm and composed demeanor. To develop this skill, learn to address conflicts in a non-confrontational manner, actively listen to all parties involved, and work towards finding common ground or mutually beneficial solutions.

8. Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation

Emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness. Reflect on your emotions, triggers, and how they impact your behavior. High emotional intelligence professionals can regulate their emotions effectively, maintaining composure in challenging situations. Developing self-awareness and self-regulation allows you to respond, rather than react, to workplace issues. 

9. Adaptability

In today's rapidly changing work environment, adaptability is crucial. High emotional intelligence professionals can navigate transitions and embrace change with ease. Cultivate your adaptability by staying open to new ideas, being willing to learn, and demonstrating flexibility in your approach to tasks and challenges.

10. Constructive Feedback

High emotional intelligence professionals are skilled at delivering and receiving constructive feedback. Learn to provide feedback in a constructive and non-critical manner, focusing on improvement rather than blame. Also, be open to receiving feedback with a growth mindset, using it as a tool for personal and professional development.

11. Recognize Non-Verbal Communication

In addition to verbal cues, pay attention to non-verbal communication. Body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice can convey emotions and intentions. Being attentive to these non-verbal cues can help you better understand your colleagues' feelings and respond appropriately.

12. Cultural Sensitivity:

Finally, last but not least, cultural sensitivity. Workplace diversity is common, and high emotional intelligence professionals respect and embrace different cultures and backgrounds. Develop cultural sensitivity by learning about cultural norms, customs, and communication styles to foster inclusivity and effective cross-cultural interactions.

In Summary

In the transition from campus life to the workplace, the value of emotional intelligence becomes increasingly apparent. While technical skills are important, emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in determining one's success in the professional world. 

High emotional intelligence professionals excel at communication, conflict resolution, adaptability, and empathy. By understanding the nuances of human interaction, they foster positive relationships and contribute to a harmonious work environment. Developing emotional intelligence is a journey that leads to career growth and personal fulfillment.

Aniday wishes you all the best at your new workplace!