Have you ever heard the phrase “common sense is not so common?” Perhaps you’ve also encountered the phrase “they have no filter.” Over the course of history, terms and phrases have changed to reflect a mutual definition of understanding our emotions, that of those around us, and learning to manage the way we handle them. Imagine an environment where we could have enough empathy to fully understand another’s perspective even when it contradicts our own. Today, we call that emotional intelligence.
Recent studies would indicate that people are hired based upon their hard or technical skills and fired based upon their lack of soft skills. In addition, it convincingly suggests that EQ (emotional quotient) is more important than IQ (intelligence quotient) by 50 percent. According to the author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, Dr. Travis Bradberry purports that EQ skills comprise 58 percent of necessary performance in all job types. Although not a formalized course in a school curriculum, there is certainly a place for regular teaching and practicing of ways in which to manage emotional intelligence. Perhaps you’ve watched The Big Bang Theory as Sheldon Cooper’s peers try to coach him through navigating the waters of personal and professional relationships. The role of emotional intelligence in the workplace is critical in developing a highly functional team.
In a world changing more quickly than we can comprehend, artificial intelligence and virtual or augmented reality programs are replacing human capacity at break neck speed. The one thing that differentiates humans from our programmed, problem solving counterparts is our capacity for emotion; for better or for worse. The great philosopher, Aristotle, once stated, “Anyone can become angry-that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way-that is not easy.” Adding fuel to the fire are social platforms that make sharing action before thought an easy yet permanent and global footprint when people are seeking to find empathy and validation. This method often seems to backfire as in cases of negative campaign tactics for example. There is a fine line between venting and vengeance as well as, judgement and jurisprudence.
In an ever-increasing competitive workforce, candidates must work diligently to hone their skills. As employers seek to recruit, train, and retain exemplary employees, do not be remiss in the value that EQ brings to the table on your behalf.
