As a professional in your field, you’ll be all too familiar with the amount of studying and work experience you have had to complete to be where you are today. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed; yet there are others around you with similar skills, experience and knowledge, so how do you get ahead in your career?

Other differentiators come into play, and one influential attribute is emotional intelligence. Some of us have it more than others and the difference could mean success or failure in winning new business, forming positive business relationships, understanding clients’ needs and ultimately achieving your career ambitions.

So what is emotional intelligence exactly?

Also referred to as EQ, it is an inner barometer that enables you to monitor your own emotions and how you react and interact with others. It also applies to your perception of others and their behaviours and what influences they may have on you.

Some say that without EQ you simply cannot be a great leader, but it’s more than that. Resilience in the workplace, how you cope with stress, with challenging individuals, an overpowering boss or an underperforming team member – they all require emotional intelligence if you are to respond effectively.

The faster track to career success

An article* by recruitment specialists Adecco stated that “a high emotional quotient has shown to fast track professionals up the corporate ladder”. It’s one of many reports making a similar point in recent years.

The article goes on to make an important observation about the relatively new landscape of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, both of which require a good degree of emotional intelligence if this more progressive culture is to succeed.

Can you learn emotional intelligence?

The answer is yes, you can. EQ can evolve and grow in response to your own desire to learn and develop. A good starting point is to take some time out to tune in to your own inner thoughts and feelings. See if you can increase your awareness of yourself, your mindset and how you are.

For many this is challenging in itself. Finding the time to stop and think, acknowledge thoughts and behaviours doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some actually find it uncomfortable or even impossible to do, in which case it may help to ask someone else for their feedback, and remember, it’s all part of the learning process.

As your awareness of yourself and your understanding of others become more alert, you are in a better position to adjust your behaviours in response to those around you, and improve your personal impact.

One step further

Whilst being attuned to your inner self is incredibly worthwhile, let’s focus on the additional attributes needed to excel in the workplace. It’s where the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships is vitally important if you are to succeed in achieving your career ambitions.

Clients and colleagues alike respond well if they feel they are being listened to and helped to arrive at the important decisions they need to make. They are not just looking for your advice; they are looking for you to help them meet a need and they will evaluate your interaction with them not just on the technical merits of your advice, but on their relationship and trust in you as a person. By listening well, asking good questions, uncovering their motivations, and responding with high EQ, you build relationships and enable your clients to explore their position and have a deeper understanding of their situation.

It’s these attributes that distinguish between an exceptional and ordinary professional, and the career path they will likely follow. Emotional Intelligence is a core attribute that a professional needs to develop and continue to hone and perfect.

At Quiver Management, we run courses in interpersonal skills, designed specifically to help professionals build deep and meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients. The courses cover topics including the art of good listening, conversation technique, how to ask quality questions, emotional intelligence and building trust and rapport.

If you’d like to find out more about these courses, and how they might be of benefit to you, please contact us for a no obligation chat, we’d be more than happy to talk to you about it.

* How emotional intelligence may help you land a job (or promotion)

Back to News & Blogs Overview