Managing a workplace or business requires more than the expertise and knowledge to do the job right. It also requires the ability to support and work with employees in a way that fosters strong communication and understanding. This skill is known as Emotional Intelligence (or EQ) and plays a crucial role in developing healthy relationships with team members, co-workers, and clients.
Executive coaching is a great way to help build EQ into your leadership skillset. Below, we’ll discuss the parameters of EQ and how Plum can help you improve your interpersonal skills as an effective leader. Keep reading to learn more!
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) In Leadership
Regardless of the industry or field you specialize in, the key to succeeding in your role relies less on your technical knowledge and more on your ability to effectively communicate and work with others. According to a study from UC Berkeley, workplaces with emotionally intelligent team leads are four times less likely to experience regular employee turnover. Developing your EI will help your employees feel supported, improve team morale, and foster a more efficient and positive work environment.
Key Factors of EQ
To properly enhance your emotional intelligence, it’s important to understand the separate traits that this skill set focuses on. Some key factors of EQ are as follows:
Self-awareness: the ability to recognize and understand your emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviours. Being able to identify your emotional triggers will help you to respond to workplace matters in a more balanced way and make sound decisions, particularly in high-stress situations.
Self-Regulation: Having the capability of managing your emotions during pressure and stress-inducing situations. This skill is critical when diffusing workplace disputes, handling demanding clientele, and other high-pressure situations where it would be inappropriate to react overemotionally.
Empathy: The ability to understand the feelings of others and relate to them. As a leader, empathy is an essential component of EI to build strong and trusting relationships with your employees and team members, as it allows you to connect with them and help them feel understood and valued.
Social Skills: Social skills allow you to communicate effectively and manage conflict while picking up on certain behaviour queues that signal appropriate responses.
How You Can Improve EI Through Executive Coaching
At Plum, our expert executive coaches can help you grow your emotional intelligence through personalized support and guidance through a structured, reflective coaching process grounded in proven methodologies. We’ll help you develop the skills required to lead your team with a greater knowledge of your employees’ needs and perspectives. Through our coaching programs, we’ll help you develop the skills that those with high EQ possess. As the coaching relationship progresses, you’ll be equipped with tools such as the ability to offer personalized feedback, self-reflection and self-regulation strategies, improved empathy and social skills, personal motivation, and more.
Choose Plum Leadership Group for Quality Executive Coaching Services
Are you ready to develop your skills as a leader and build an effective team? Our coaches at Plum are here to help! Contact us today to learn about the services we offer and take the next step in your career toward effective and empathetic management.