Emotions in the Workplace

Who would’ve thought emotions had a place at work? Turns out they do! In today’s fast-paced world, Emotional Intelligence (EI) isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the key to driving success in today’s uncertain times.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report, qualities like resilience, curiosity, and self-awareness—all attributes of EI—are more than just niceties. They’re essential for thriving in the workplace. As the Future of Jobs report shows, leaders who prioritize EI excel in interpersonal effectiveness and decision-making—paving the way for resilient work teams.

Which is why employee mental wellness is among the main concerns of today’s C-suite.  Since EI is a hallmark of mental wellbeing, we can expect to see increasing focus on EI as a competitive differentiator. In his article Feelings, Smith’s Glen Gonzalez explains how tapping into emotions when communicating with employees can help you get across important messages that actually change behavior.

In marketing, advertising and sales, EI helps build consumer trust and brand loyalty. In fact, Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s research reveals that such factors as likability and trust can have greater influence on consumers than product superiority and lower prices. It’s clear that embracing EI as a strategic asset can elevate your bottom line.

Check out this Forbes article on five ways to improve your workplace emotional intelligence. As I dive into refining my own emotional intelligence, I’m eager to incorporate similar practical strategies.

Got any stories about what works for you? Or how you’ve used emotions in your communications? I’d love to learn from you.