OCTOBER 2019HR TECH OUTLOOK9So, the ability to understand what motivates others, relate in a positive manner, and build stronger bonds with others in the workplace inevitably makes for a better leaderthose who had managers with low EQ. So it is good to know that while your IQ is largely fixed post-adolescence, your EQ is not a static factor and can change over time and even be developed in targeted areas.How can you improve your EQ? According to Goleman, there are five fundamental areas of EQ.Self-awareness: The ability to always know how you feel and how your emotions and actions can affect people around you.As a leader, it means knowing your strengths and weaknesses and behaving with humility. You can improve in this area by noting your thoughts and emotions and recognize situations that trigger them both positively and negatively. Slow down and reflect when your emotions are high. Whatever the situation, you are always able to choose how you react. Self-regulation: The ability to regulate yourself, stay in control, be flexible, and commit to personal accountability. As a leader, it means rarely verbally attacking others, making rushed or emotional decisions, or compromising your values. You can improve in this area by practicing being calm, deep breath, and learn ways to relieve your stress that does not impact others. Know your values, what is important to you, and understand your own code of ethics. Be accountable, admit your mistakes, and face the consequences--you will soon earn the respect of those around you.Motivation: The ability to enjoy what you do, remaining hopeful, positive, and optimistic. As a leader, it means being able to motivate yourself to consistently move towards achieving your goals and maintaining high standards. You can improve in this area by reminding yourself why you are doing your job--we often forget what we love about our career and why we wanted to lead. Always look for the positives in a situation, however small.Empathy: The ability to put yourself in someone else's situation and understand their emotions. As a leader, it means developing people on your team, challenging those who act unfairly, giving constructive feedback, and listening. You can improve in this area by taking the time to look at a situation from someone else's perspective, pay attention to people's body language, and remember to respond to feelings by actively addressing it when you notice them.Social Skills: The ability to communicate effectively and openly and in managing change and resolving conflicts diplomatically. As a leader, it means being open to hearing both bad and good news, being able to generate your team's support, and excite and inspire them and setting an example with their own behavior. You can improve in this area by learning how to resolve conflict, ensure your communication skills are strong and remember to give praise appropriately and when it is earned.So, the ability to understand what motivates others, relate in a positive manner, and build stronger bonds with others in the workplace inevitably makes for a better leader. Technology can not yet replace the human ability to learn, manage, and master our emotions, so it looks like leadership may well be safe from AI for the moment.
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