Emotional intelligence (EI) has many benefits when it comes to building and maintaining strong relationships, both in your personal and work life. When businesses take the time to understand and support EI, they have a really powerful influence on driving success.  

Here, we examine EI, its positive impact on the workplace, and some of the ways that it can be implemented.  

What is emotional intelligence?                                                                                                

At Yellow Tree Wellbeing, we use the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso emotional intelligence model (MSCEIT) in our work, as it is one of the most validated and reliable measures of EI, grounded in rigorous scientific research. According to David Caruso, one of the founding partners of the MSCEIT test, "Emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence; it is not the triumph of heart over head – it is the unique intersection of both." In essence, EI is about using our minds and emotions together to navigate life more effectively.  

What does emotional intelligence consist of?                               

The MSCEIT model breaks down EI into four key branches, each representing unique abilities that can be learned and developed. The first branch, Perceiving Emotions, is about recognising emotions in ourselves, others and our environment. The second branch is Using Emotions and the knowledge of how they facilitate thinking, how emotions can be switched, and our ability to empathise. The third branch, Understanding Emotions, refers to understanding the complex blend of emotions, what has caused them, and how they can change over time. The fourth and final branch is Managing Emotions, both in us and others, to achieve optimal outcomes. 

Here we learn more about these four branches; 

Perceiving emotions - Recognising and interpreting emotions increases our self-awareness, giving us a greater understanding of our own and others' feelings and reactions. Emotions can be identified in facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. And that recognition is crucial for building empathetic relationships and navigating social interactions effectively. When we are more tuned into emotions in this way, it leads to better emotional regulation and stress management.  

Using emotions - Understanding how emotions impact our thinking helps us prioritise our attention and focus on what's most important. When we understand the influential power of our emotions, we can better use them to our advantage. This can benefit decision-making and enhance our ability to switch emotions. Harnessing our emotions effectively means navigating challenges more efficiently and developing better solutions. Experiencing emotions for ourselves links to our ability to empathise and allows us to truly feel how others feel.  

Understanding emotions - The ability to understand the complex blend of emotions and how they can evolve offers us greater insight into our own and others' experiences. This, in turn, helps us to conduct emotional ‘what if’ planning, incorporating emotional insight which helps us build stronger connections. Recognising the root cause of emotion means we can address underlying issues and manage our reactions better. A greater understanding of changing emotions, both our own and other people's, helps us anticipate and adapt, enhancing our ability to manage emotions effectively.  

Managing emotions - Being able to manage emotions in ourselves and others is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. When we can moderate and manage emotions effectively, we invariably make better decisions and are at our most productive. Effectively regulating our emotions reduces stress and enhances our overall wellbeing. Managing others promotes better interactions, helps resolve conflicts, and builds collaborative relationships. An environment that promotes emotional management allows everyone to thrive, leading to great personal and professional success.  

How does emotional intelligence impact work?                                

EI significantly impacts the workplace by fostering a culture of trust and better communication. Employees who understand and manage emotions can resolve conflicts more efficiently, leading to a more relaxed and harmonious work environment. EI also enhances team building by promoting empathy and collaboration and strengthening colleague relationships. In customer relations, it helps understand clients' needs and respond appropriately, improving satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, it supports personal growth, enabling employees to handle stress, adapt to changes, and maintain a positive attitude. This supports a more productive, cohesive, and thriving workplace. Emotionally intelligent leaders can build on that trust to harbor more engaged and productive teams.  

Ways you can improve your team's emotional intelligence                                                

Here are five steps to build and support your team's emotional intelligence and encourage growth.  

1. Encourage open communication by creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable discussing their feelings. This involves fostering a non-judgmental environment where everyone's emotions are respected and valued. 

2. Lead by example, expressing your own emotions and showing your team how to handle theirs effectively in various situations. You could share your experiences and openly discuss strategies that you find effective, as this helps set a standard for your team to follow.  

3. Promote self-awareness by encouraging team members to reflect on their feelings and behaviours. This can help them identify their emotional triggers and encourage them to create opportunities for regular self-reflection.  

4. Provide dedicated training sessions that focus on building EI skills. Investing in comprehensive EI training equips your team with the essential tools they need to navigate work and their personal lives.  

5. Use the MSCEIT to assess your team's current EI levels. This will help you identify specific areas for growth by offering detailed insights into each team member's strengths and weaknesses across the four key areas of emotional intelligence. It will also highlight the way team members work together, and how this impacts them individually. This will help maximise their productivity and ensure everyone is comfortable in their role within that team.  

Implementing these steps can significantly enhance your team's EI and overall performance. Did you know that 90% of high performers are estimated to have great EI? With that in mind, there has never been a better time to invest in yourself and your employees' wellbeing. At Yellow Tree Wellbeing, we are passionate about helping you create a working environment where your employees feel really valued and motivated. If you would like to learn more about emotional Intelligence webinars, training or coaching, and how we can help implement that into your business skillset, don't hesitate to contact us.