Emotional intelligence (EI) and its effect on Management

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Many of us are familiar with AI [Artificial Intelligence] but what is Emotional Intelligence? And its relevance in Management, especially people management? One respondent quipped ‘ego’. Though not entirely off the mark, it addresses just an aspect. Look before you leap; right. Do you think before acting?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a term used to describe the ability of an individual to recognize their own and other people's emotions, to discriminate between different feelings and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour [courtesy: wiki].  The term EI gained recognition in 1995 and thereafter evolved as a model, namely ability and trait model.

So far we have studied human behaviour, but seldom self-behaviour consciously. As individuals, we often introspect about our actions, and those who dig deeper to understand emotions and then associate with actions to adjust and adapt are better as decision-makers states studies.

How effective as Managers? More than anything and anywhere, Emotional Intelligence most needed when negotiating with a colleague or peer or team or superior. Man exhibits myriad emotions. To handle and navigate needs successful soft skills for our decision ought to be rationale, objective and holistic. In a chaotic world with its cacophony like – snarls created after caught in traffic jams or embroiled in a heated exchange - it can be anything trivial to most trying of circumstance. Conflict is common occurrence but the choice to respond rest with us. Calm, collected and composed even in the wake of a storm can’t be seen in everyone. It’s a calling at a very high level and hence those who EI is way above are really adept in adjusting response/reaction and revel at interpersonal relations. The ability to recognize, relate, identify, empathize with others plight, connecting with others, commendable communication and control crisis are typical traits. In other words, high Emotional intelligence (EI) proves very effective in man-Management.

Emotionally intelligent leadership are recognized by strong sense of self-awareness whereby that can detect one’s emotion and direct appropriate response mechanism. That call is critical. As highlighted above how we choose to respond is always our choice. Failure to manage might prove to fatal to one and all involved. Develop skills to be aware and evaluate the emotions of others, so as to react suitably to the situation. Leaders’ hallmark lies in this reception/response that has a direct impact on gaining confidence enhance performance, Employee retention to total satisfaction. They speak less and listen a lot. Not hear but listen to understand the underlying emotions. The tone, tenor, language, gestures gives scope to study and gauge emotions.  Leaders always choose the words and measure before delivery – again in the right tone and tenor. These are exceptional skills to anticipate and in some case pre-empt – emotional intelligence is all about this and such Leaders prove to be remarkable in management.

It might sound new to some or even niche, but make no mistake - only the fittest survive.  Emotional intelligence is treated as a critical factor in assessing your management skills complementing human capital [education, certification] and fitness aspects.  Yes, very much!

Project Managers are expected to have a high emotional intelligence, as important and credible as the Project Management certification. One is a testament about your psyche and other about education, expertise and experience.

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