Emotional intelligence… We’ve all heard about it, but are we putting it into practice regularly?
What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence – often called EI or EQ (emotional quotient) – is all about knowing your own emotions and picking up on how others feel.
In the workplace, this can be a real game-changer. It helps teams work better together, supports thoughtful leadership, and keeps everyone more connected.
EQ holds teams together.
As teams become more diverse and spread out, emotional intelligence is the glue that holds people and projects together. It helps build trust, resolve conflicts smoothly, and makes work feel like a place people want to be. The World Economic Forum has listed EQ as one of the top skills for 2025, right up there with the latest tech skills.
Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever.
More and more employers are putting emotional smarts above technical know-how. 71% of employers say they’d rather hire someone with strong emotional awareness than someone with technical expertise alone. That’s why 84% of large companies now invest in EQ training.
Today’s workplaces rely on collaboration. And when someone can’t read the room or connect well with colleagues, it can hold things back.
Emotional reasoning.
This is all about factoring emotions into how we make decisions. When we tap into our emotional cues, and those of others, we start seeing the fuller picture. It’s not just about what the facts say; it’s about understanding how people feel, what’s going unsaid, and what really matters underneath the surface.
When you bring emotional reasoning into play, your decisions tend to be more balanced and people-focused.
Self management.
Here’s where we get into handling our own emotions, especially when things get tough. It’s not about ignoring how you feel, but learning how to manage reactions in the moment. That means staying calm under pressure, bouncing back from setbacks, and keeping your cool when emotions are running high. It also means staying motivated and setting goals that actually mean something to you.
Inspiring performance.
This one is about how you show up for others and how you bring out the best in them. It’s about being a positive influence, offering encouragement, and building people up. When you genuinely connect with others and believe in their potential, it has a ripple effect. It’s not about being a cheerleader for the sake of it — it’s about being real, showing you care, and helping people stretch into what they’re capable of.
IQ vs. EQ in workplace success.
Both matter in the workplace, but they show up in totally different ways. IQ measures brainpower—skills like reasoning, problem-solving, and memory. People often relate it to success in academics or technical fields like engineering or coding. EQ, or Emotional Quotient, focuses on emotions. It involves self-awareness, emotional control, motivation, empathy, and social ease. Each plays its role at work.
EQ transforms anything that involves people – leadership, teamwork, or customer service. Frontiers in Psychology links EQ to job performance with a 0.31 correlation. Though lower than IQ’s mark, it proves important for managers who empathise or salespeople who connect.
Why great leaders talk about EQ.
Great leaders champion EQ because its effectiveness is proven. Leaders with high EQ outperform peers by 25% in metrics like team performance and employee retention. Daniel Goleman, the psychologist who popularised EQ, says it’s twice as critical as technical skills for leadership success.
Why the buzz? EQ helps leaders to read the room—literally and figuratively. It’s the difference between barking orders and understanding why a team member’s morale is dipping. In a world where 71% of employers value EQ over technical expertise, leaders who ignore it risk being left behind.
How EI builds trust, respect, and motivation in teams.
Emotional intelligence transforms leadership by working on three pillars: trust, respect, and motivation. First, trust emerges when leaders show self-awareness and empathy, core EI traits. A 2021 Gallup study found that employees who trust their leaders are 12 times more likely to be engaged, and EQ-driven leaders excel at building that bond by owning mistakes and valuing input.
Respect comes when leaders self-regulate and manage their emotions under pressure. An EQ-savvy leader stays calm, earns admiration instead of alienating the team with outbursts.
Research shows that 75% of employees rank emotional stability as a top leadership trait. It creates a positive cycle and encourages team members to mirror that composure.
Motivation works when leaders tune into their team’s emotions. 79% of employees feel a stronger motivation to perform when their boss genuinely cares about them.
Workplace culture that supports emotional intelligence.
A workplace that values emotional intelligence sees real benefits. It helps employees manage their emotions, which reduces stress and boosts mental well-being. A 2021 APA study found 30% less burnout in these environments (APA on EQ). It also creates open communication and careful listening, which makes teamwork smoother and more effective. Over time, teams with strong EQ perform 25% better. Their absence rate decreases. They’re built to last (Culture Amp on EQ). It builds stronger, more successful teams.
Use Feedback Effectively
Feedback is a part of improving EQ. It shows how others perceive your actions and emotions. Try these:
- Ask for Input: Occasionally, check in with a coworker or manager about how you’re doing. Keep it simple and open.
- Welcome Insights: Honest thoughts from others guide you toward better interactions. It’s a practical way to grow.
Guidance for growth.
Are you ready to explore new possibilities in your workplace? Get in touch!
For those who want more support, professional coaching can offer useful insights. The team at Sydney Career Coaching provides tailored guidance to professionals who want to refine their emotional skills. The sessions work on practical ways to apply emotional intelligence at work, whether you’re leading a team or collaborating with others. It’s an option worth considering if you’d like to progress.
Tina Monk
0413 000 010
help@sydneycareercoaching.com.au
Complimentary career coaching introduction
Take advantage of our complimentary career coaching session to determine whether coaching is for you. We provide career coaching advice throughout Australia remotely (Zoom), over the telephone and in person at our offices in Neutral Bay on Sydney’s North Shore.