Emotional Intelligence in the workplace

How can you establish credibility in the workplace? It helps to form positive working relationships, and use your presence and your personality to back up technical and intellectual competence.

In today’s workplace, it is emotional intelligence or EQ that gives people the cutting edge. No matter how high your degree of technical competence, if it is combined with a low EQ, it means your chances of success are limited. Most of us have to work with people, and it is essential to acquire the relevant skills. Unfortunately, this area is not stressed as much as technical learning, and most of us are left to find our own way through the maze.

So, what exactly is Emotional Intelligence and why is it beneficial?

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage your thoughts, emotions and behaviours so you can enjoy more success, happiness and fulfilment in all aspects of your life.

Educating yourself in the practice of Emotional Intelligence will increase your ability to:

1. Recognise how your emotions affect you and others
2. Understand yourself and how others see you
3. Appreciate yourself more fully
4. Develop enriching relationships
5. Recognise the beliefs you have about yourself - and how to change the unhelpful ones
6. Set and meet goals
7. Make positive changes in your life
8. Manage stress
9. Develop honest and open communication
10. Handle 'difficult' people
11. Work more effectively with groups
12. Have more fun!