Amanda Rose: Why workplaces need higher emotional intelligence

A high IQ alone will not guarantee career success. Emotional intelligence is just as important, says Amanda Rose.

Emotional intelligence is massively lacking in workplaces and in a stressful situation such as a pandemic, we need it more than ever.

I think it’s because those with controlled emotions are usually called “boring” and “nerdy” and people ask “What’s wrong with you?”.

There is an expectation we need to flatter people and be talking all the time for validation or to appease the environment or someone’s needs.

Take the emotion out of workplace issues and conversations. Picture: iStock

EQ (emotional quotient) is understanding people in the room and controlling emotions and looking at a situation objectively.

It’s very rare.

The more emotional intelligence we have in a team or company, the less conflict there will be and more productivity there will be.

Essentially it’s about being the grown up.

Just because you are in a leadership position or you are the smartest or most profitable person on the team doesn’t necessarily mean you have high EQ.

I think we get too complacent with our language and how we speak to people in the workplace.

I see some people lack respect for others whether underneath them, next to them or above them.

You can relate to people but still have respect and control your emotions.

Relating doesn’t mean you gossip or burst into tears and scream at someone.

Don’t throw tantrums because you are not getting your way.

Amanda Rose says people can be smart but lack emotional intelligence. Picture: Monique Harmer

Not controlling your emotions is just foolish – you lack clarity when you are like that, and you miss out on opportunities because people won’t take you seriously.

Gaining emotional intelligence is a process, though.

A tip is to give yourself a time frame before responding to things.

Ask yourself: Am I having a knee-jerk reaction?

Don’t take things personally and don’t attack people personally.

Take your time to respond and if you feel anger or fear or anything like that, step away from the environment, write it down and give yourself time.

Saying less and responding strategically, you have more power.

Employers are looking for people with high EQ because they know it’s going to help create a quality workplace culture where people are respected and heard.

Amanda Rose is a business consultant, workplace trainer, LinkedIn influencer and founder of six organisations – and now she is tackling your career questions for SMART Daily every week.

Got a question? Send it to [e-mail]