Leaders are dependent on particular skills, including emotional intelligence (EQ), to have successful relationships with employees and customers and to boost business performance results. Tactics like focusing on other people’s needs and creating a better listening space are just some ways EQ can help with that.
However, leaders may feel that there are other ways that EQ can be valuable. Here, nine Forbes Human Resources Council members share ways it can have a positive effect on everyone on the team and offer positive business results.
Forbes Human Resources Council members discuss ways emotional intelligence skills can boost business results.
Photos Courtesy Of The Individual Members1. Helps Knowing When To Leverage Feedback
When you can appropriately manage your feelings and emotions, you are more likely to be on the receiving end of useful guidance and feedback. Being a beacon for feedback, and then knowing when to leverage or discard that feedback, serves many purposes from understanding customers to engaging employees. - Michelle Delcambre, Felicis Ventures
2. Builds Stronger Connections
We all can think of leaders that inspired us to reach farther than we thought we could. Authenticity, empathy and relationship management helps build strong connections. Suddenly, we're doing things for each other because they're good to do and not because we were told to do it. We're inspired, confident and courageous when we feel safe and that will certainly boost any business. - Pamela Goldswer, Townsend Leather
3. Helps Relate To Others In Volatile Markets
Leaders are the glue that holds their teams together. When times are good, this is relatively easy to do. When markets are more volatile, leaders who demonstrate emotional intelligence will relate better to others. This cascades through the organization as they lead by example while being motivational, and driving not only retention but performance. - Tracy Cote, StockX
4. Focuses On Others’ Needs
There is currently immense pressure on leaders to deliver results, create engaged teams and provide fulfilling careers for their employees. The leaders who lean into EQ and monitor their internal emotions, focus on others’ needs and lean into a more conscious state of leadership are the ones who are more in control of the situations at play. This, in turn, positively impacts business results. - Melissa Banek, IMC - Trading
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5. Manages Others’ Feelings Accurately
Emotionally intelligent leaders often exhibit stoicism. Regardless of their emotions, leaders with emotional self-control accurately recognize and manage their feelings. Results often include high retention, strong employee engagement, high performance and an environment that remains emotionally resilient and in control. - Jeffrey Pietrzak, Work Exceptional, LLC
6. Creates A Better Space For Listening
Managing emotions in the workplace creates a space for better active listening promotes humility, accountability and reduces miscommunications and misunderstandings that can slow down the pace of practical work. Leaders can still be empathetic while moving business initiatives forward, even in situations of tremendous change and transformation. Deeper relationships drive deeper engagement. - Carrie Berg, Teladoc Health
7. Drives Employees To Perform Well
EQ is a critical leadership quality. Those who lead with empathy by being genuine in both caring for their teams and not shying away from sharing their challenges and vulnerabilities, build stronger and lasting connections. Employees want to perform well for a leader that cares about them as a “whole person” driving engagement, retention and ultimately business results. - Neha Mirchandani, BrightPlan
8. Promotes A Healthy, Diverse Culture
The EQ of leaders in an organization impacts the employee experience and overall culture. People stay at fun, healthy places where they have an impact and career growth. Ensuring you promote a healthy, positive and diverse culture means embracing emotional intelligence by actively investing in the well-being and psychological safety of your employees. - Gianna Driver, Exabeam
9. Gives You An Approachable View
Emotional intelligence is a critical skill for leaders. Leaders with high EQ can cultivate relationships, be effective listeners, are viewed as approachable and can regulate their emotions. Business results are boosted when there is a culture of caring and belonging as it can increase employee engagement and retention. - Sherry Martin, Government Administration
