Emotional Intelligence
In my experience, I have worked with a lot of different leaders in various industries – government, private & not-for-profit. I have experienced some great leaders – female and male leaders. Some of whom I am still friends with. This demonstrates good leaders care about their people not just in the workplace. This is important as leaders influence a person’s life more than they realise. If they are being bullied, or treated unfairly in the workplace, it overflows into their home life. The anxiety and stress is not limited to the workplace. These emotions will be demonstrated in their home lives. People often go home and these emotions will be triggered by their loved ones by something unrelated to the emotion.
When employers can reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace, it benefits both the employer and employees. The tools that an employer provides to their employees to manage their stress better, results in people bringing their best selves to work. This enables them to collaborate more effectively, creates an environment where questions are encouraged and mistakes are a part of the learning process. When leaders create an environment where there is psychological safety, they bring the best out of their people. People work well together, form friendships and look out for each other. It is what being human is all about – creating connection. When leaders are self-aware, their emotional intelligence allows them to manage their people in a way that is nurturing, considerate and kind.
When people feel supported and like the people they work with, it fosters an environment where people can thrive. Regardless of the type of work or challenges associated with the role. When there is wrap around support and people feel safe to be themselves, people look forward to going into work and contribute to the sustainability of the organisation. When an organisation hires diverse employees from all different backgrounds and abilities, it fosters an inclusive environment. This enables people of all backgrounds to contribute to the success and sustainability of the organisation. It is also great when an organisation creates development opportunities for their people and allows people to share their lives with each other. People spend the majority of their time in the workplace. When leaders create a somewhat “safe space”, they bring out the best in their people.
When leaders tap into their emotional intelligence – listening to their people, allowing their people to ask questions and not feel chastised for making mistakes – it fosters a positive work environment where people can thrive. When leaders care about their people, not just to get the work done, where they are supported, able to ask questions and complete the work in a supported environment – they get more out of their people. When people feel appreciated and supported, they will tend to do more than required and treat their customers with the same consideration as they are being treated. Even the challenging ones! Learning is all part of the process, being able to ask questions and having people in the team support your learning allows you to learn and do the role to the best of your abiity. Emotional intelligence allows you to tap into the human side of leadership. As humans, we deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. We all deserve to be treated how we would like to be treated.
According to research by the World Economic Forum and Harvard School of Public Health, the cost of mental conditions is projected to rise by $6 trillion globally by 2030. Work-related stress is a key contributor to this figure. It drives absenteeism and turnover. When leaders encourage their people to log off by a certain time, manage meeting times, breaks and have open communication – they play a role in significantly lowering work-related stress and improving mental health in the workplace. Consider the different workplaces and leaders you have worked with over the course of your career. How many leaders created an environment where you could thrive? What were the things this leader did or didn’t do that helped you feel supported so you could bring your best self to work? How many leaders made the work fun? Regardless of the workload and type of work required?
How can you become a leader who uses their emotional intelligence in the workplace to allow their people to shine?