Benefits of emotional intelligence in the workplace

Workplace success used to depend on spending 40+ years climbing the corporate ladder or having connections. While those tactics are still around, a more sound approach is working to develop emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence refers to the capacity to identify, evaluate and manage our own and others’ emotions. The concept of emotional intelligence (known as your EQ) was introduced by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer (not that one) in 1990.

Key principles include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Leaders with high emotional intelligence use their social skills to foster rapport and trust with their employees.

– Chris Keene, The Arkansas 100