Why (EQ) is so important in a remote working world?

Why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is so important in a remote working world? 

 If you are (or aspire to be) in a leadership role, there is an emotional element that is so important to consider. It is what will help you to successfully coach teams, manage stress levels and enable you to deliver valuable feedback.  

 Ever since Daniel Goldman’s seminal work, Emotional Intelligence, in 1985 it has been accepted that emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a significant role in business success. In Goleman’s opinion, EQ is about understanding and managing your own emotions and influencing the emotions of others. 

 According to Goleman’s research, EQ is twice as important as IQ at all Job Levels, while in senior roles 90% of the difference in profiles between average and star performers is attributed to EQ Factors. 

 So, high performing managers and leaders have always benefited from having elevated levels of EQ. This is witnessed, for example, in effective performance management, staying calm and making rational decisions under pressure.  

 Post-pandemic, this attribute is even more important for managers. With remote management it is no longer possible to manage in the old way - command and control. Short of monitoring keyboard activity, it is impossible to know exactly what your staff are doing, so you must use your emotional intelligence. Managers need to develop, motivate, and support their staff more than ever, by focusing on outcomes and impact rather than outputs. They need to set clear goals, seek consensus through emphasising organisational values, and coach as much as possible through asking the right questions, actively listening, and supporting staff to find their own answers.  

 The beauty is you can develop and grow your EQ significantly with application, unlike IQ, which is static.  

 At Emailogic we run bitesize sessions in understanding emotional intelligence. To find out more click here.  or contact us email enquiries@emailogic.com or call a member of our friendly team on +44(0)203 154 6611. 

  Written by Steve Morley