by Riseschool, Nairobi, Kenya, Patricia Murugami

We all know that intelligence is important for success at work. But what about emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware and understand your own emotions and the emotions of others and has become a necessity for leadership growth, especially among emerging leaders.
Developing one’s emotional intelligence requires a developing sense of self-awareness and empathy; it means understanding why certain thoughts or feelings come naturally, and how to manage the emotions of oneself and others within any given environment. Ultimately, mastering this skill allows leadership capabilities to come more naturally by providing insight on interpersonal engagements as well as developing more effective leadership styles. Understanding one’s emotions can serve as a key tool in leadership development and be the difference between a successful outcome or an unsuccessful undertaking.

There are four main components of emotional intelligence: 

1. Self-awareness: This involves being aware of your own emotions; attuned to our own feelings and how they impact your thoughts and behaviors. It also involves being aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
2.  Self-management: This involves being able to regulate your emotions and behaviors in a healthy and productive way. It is the internal regulator needed to stay focused on leadership goals. It involves being able to control your impulses, manage stress, and stay composed under pressure.
3. Social awareness: This involves being attuned or sensitive to the emotions and needs of others, and being able to empathise with them. It also involves being able to understand and respect cultural differences. 
4. Relationship management: This involves being able to effectively communicate and build relationships with others. It involves being able to manage conflict, collaborate with others, and lead a team effectively.

Emotional intelligence is important in the workplace because it can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved performance, and greater success in career advancement.

In fact, research has proven time and time again that emotional intelligence is strongly correlated with leadership effectiveness, job satisfaction, and career results. When emotionally intelligent leadership is present in the workplace, it provides an environment that encourages employee self-expression and communication. As a result, team morale often increases as well as overall performance of tasks which can lead to increased job satisfaction. Those with leadership potential who endeavor to continue developing their emotional intelligence skills can create leadership opportunities for themselves by strengthening relationships with workplaces peers and superiors resulting in further leadership growth and career advancement.

Developing your emotional intelligence skills is therefore a critical component of being successful in the workplace. Not only can it make you more adept at navigating difficult interpersonal situations, but it can also lead to increased job satisfaction, improved performance, and greater success in career advancement. 

Finding ways to build your own emotional intelligence starts with obtaining a better understanding of yourself and the way others perceive you. Through mindfulness exercises, stress management techniques, and communication training, you’ll be able to strengthen these skills and become an even better professional. So, if you’re looking for ways to take your career to the next level, why not start by getting in touch with your emotions? 

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