How Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Improves Performance

Admin • October 16, 2019

Emotional EQ has become the new black for business owners and start- ups. Emotional intelligence underpins the self-awareness that is evident in great leaders and involves the ability to accurately perceive emotions with high levels of empathy. This is an essential ingredient in understanding other people's emotions, as well as your own. People with high emotional EQ are aware of their faults and shortcomings and are always trying to develop new skills and greater self-awareness.

While some people have well developed emotional EQ, the good news is that these skills can be learned and nurtured.

The importance of emotional EQ in business

For many years, technical expertise was considered sufficient to own and manage a successful enterprise. However, having emotional EQ is now often considered as, or more important than technical knowledge. Managing a business requires constant interaction with staff and customers and being attuned to the emotional tone of a group or individual is a critical skill that guides managerial intuition and decision-making.

How building Emotional EQ can help build your business

The needs of business are changing as businesses realise the impact that empathy and collaboration can have on their ability to compete. The ability to truly empathise with the needs of your customers is a key part of emotional EQ.

Empathy fuels the customer experience

As progressive companies shift from a focus on production to a focus on the needs of your customers, having the skills required to understand the needs of your customers and cater to them gives your business a competitive edge.

Emotional EQ helps you make more thorough decisions

People with high EQ make more balanced and considered decisions. Leaders with well-developed emotional EQ take a more consultative approach to decision-making by taking the suggestions and advice of their teams into account.



People with high emotional EQ can more readily view things from another person's perspective, making it easier for them to resolve conflict and work through obstacles - whether it be in a business negotiation or an interaction with a disgruntled customer. They are easily able to manage their emotions, and behave more proactively as a result.

Emotional EQ helps you build more productive teams

High EQ leaders understand how to build strong teams and motivate individuals. They lead by example and model collaborative behaviour and teamwork. Building high emotional EQ makes new leaders good and good leaders exceptional by equipping leaders with the skills required to truly connect with their teams.

You work well with people

To be able to adapt to changing situations within the company. Companies today must be able to change rapidly to stay competitive, and employees must be able to be flexible and adaptable to make this happen. You should be able to take on more than your job role and value the opportunity to be constantly learning new skills.

You become an increasingly better leader

According to success.com, emotional intelligence is defined as being the sum of four parts- self awareness, social awareness, self management and relationship management. Once you receive sufficient soft skills training or learning in all four of these aspects, you achieve heightened awareness in your dealings with people, making you more competent when handling other people.

You Become Motivated About Your Work

Emotionally intelligent people understand what truly makes them happy, and work towards projects with give them creative satisfaction. Even though they may face obstacles, they have the ability to maintain focus on what is really important.

You Accept Criticism As A Positive Factor

Honest and well- timed criticism is an important factor in any business. However, your acceptance of criticism as a learning opportunity plays a large part in your personal and business growth. Emotionally intelligent people understand that feedback is an important aspect of business maturity. They look objectively at areas of potential development and adopt a positive approach towards bettering their company.



While some leaders have naturally higher levels of emotional EQ, these skills can be learnt, and all good leaders have to cultivate their skills regularly through life experiences and soft skills training.

Need some new skills to grow your business? View our courses and find out how soft skills could help your business thrive. 

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Credit Control - Tip Three (for getting paid)

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Credit Control - Tip Two (for getting paid)

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Customer Service Tip Two

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Customer Service Tip One

By Admin • September 24, 2020
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