The need to master the act of Emotional Intelligence and its application in the workplace cannot be over-emphasized. You need to be aware of your emotions, manage and master your emotions, work on Interpersonal relationship skills, learn how to communicate effectively and finally, learn how to work within a team.
In other to manage workplace stress, there is the need to know what works for you as what works for one person might not work for the other.
To improve your level of Emotional Intelligence at Work, you should be able to;
- Find techniques to release workplace stress
Having hobbies outside of work is a suitable place to start. Playing games or taking walks might also be an effective way. - Keep your cool
Accept the fact that you cannot control everything. Look for helpful ways to respond that do not make matters worse. - Think before making decisions
Emotions can overwhelm you in the heat of the moment. You can make a calmer, more rational choice if you give yourself time to consider all of the possibilities. - Listen to what others have to say
This does not mean just passively listening to other people talk. Active listening involves ing attention, asking questions, and providing feedback to show that you are present in the moment when others are having a conversation with you. - Pay attention to nonverbal communication
The signals that people send through their body language can convey a lot about what they really think. Pay attention to the cues. - Hone your persuasion skills
Being able to carry influence in the workplace and convince team members and supervisors to listen to your ideas can go a long way in advancing your career. - Avoid office drama
Do your best to stay out of the petty office politics that sometimes take over the workplace but be aware that conflicts are not always avoidable. Focus on not just listening to what others have to say but also looking for ways to solve problems and minimize tension. - See things from the other person’s point of view
It can be challenging at times, especially if you feel like the other person is wrong. But rather than letting disagreements build up into major conflicts, spend time looking at the situation from another’s perspective. It can be a great first step toward finding a middle ground between two opposing points of view. - Pay attention to how you respond to others
Do you let them have a chance to share their ideas? Do you acknowledge their input, even if you disagree? Letting others know that their efforts have merit often helps everyone feel more willing to compromise and or lend a helping hand.
This article was written by Stella Obialor (Group Head, Human Resources)