Last month we introduced the “NEW GEN” column that is specifically for all our young generation CAs(SA) in the workplace. This month we talk about an area that has been a hot topic in businesses over the last few years – Emotional Intelligence.
Why all the fuss?
Human beings have always believed that cognitive intelligence (IQ) is the key to success. In the 1940’s David Weshler realised after extensive research that there are certain non-intellectual abilities, that actually cause individuals to succeed. How did he realise this? He studied people with a fairly average cognitive intelligence who performed much better than those with a fairly high cognitive intelligence. Later these non-intellectual abilities were labelled as social intelligence, and during the late 1980’s psychologists started talking about these abilities as emotional competence. Psychologists Salovey and Mayer did an extensive study on social intelligence and emotional competence and in 1990 coined the term “Emotional Intelligence”.
Why attention to Emotions?
Emotion is taken from the Latin word meaning: “energy in motion”. Emotions have the ability to fuel our energy or drain our energy. So it is safe to say that emotions could move us in a positive way, or in a negative way. How to manage our emotions then contributes to how we manage our energy. Emotional intelligence should not be seen as a fuzzy soft topic, but rather a pretty useful topic.
Knowing is not enough
In our travels between various companies, presenting workshops and coaching in the field of leadership development and personal growth, we find many people who know of Emotional intelligence. They know all the terms and they know of all the advantages. Most reading managers have read Goleman’s book. Some managers have done workshops. We believe that there is no need for more knowledge on Emotional Intelligence, but what is clear is that few people actually understand how to develop their Emotional Intelligence. We find that even less people understand how to apply their Emotional Intelligence in their daily toils at work. This is why we believe that if we talk about Emotional Intelligence we need to talk about “cultivating” Emotional Intelligence. This refers to an ongoing process that leads to the development of an Emotional Intelligence that leads to success.
Latest research by the Consortium for Emotional Intelligence shows that your success in life is two thirds dependant on your Emotional Intelligence, rather than your cognitive intelligence (IQ). The great news is that we can grow and purposefully develop our Emotional Intelligence. Even though the evidence through research is overwhelming, we find that few people are prepared to invest in themselves and their employees by developing their Emotional Intelligence. We also find that the Baby Boomers and Silent Generation/Radio Babies are the generations not very open to the development of their Emotional Intelligence. While this is a gross generalisation, it is our experience in the corporate world.
What to do?
So you want to be successful and develop your Emotional Intelligence? How do you go about it?
First, we believe you need to read about Emotional intelligence. Get to know the core of what it is all about. There are various internet site’s dedicated to the subject.
Second, you need to find out what your Emotional Intelligence is. There are various measurements available out there, but we would recommend the Bar On Emotional Inventory. It is very comprehensive and easy to understand. Once again this can be done online or through your HR department who have companies who provide them with this analysis. The key here is to find out what your emotional vulnerabilities are. Once you know what they are you can do something about it.
Third, attend an Emotional Intelligence workshop. This is a place where you can learn and ask questions and also receive honest feedback. Adults bring accumulated life experience to the table and that is why we encourage adults to learn from each other and to share with each other in our workshops. We are always astounded with the practical intelligence people possess.
Fourth, invest in your people/relationship skills. Recent research completed by the Centre of Creative leadership, studied 438 000 managers in 7 500 companies which included most of the Fortune 500 companies. They asked these managers what were the top 3 aspects that contributed to their success. 67% of them mentioned networking and their ability to build effective relationships. We should never underestimate the importance of networking and the skills to build effective relationships. This is a big part of Emotional Intelligence.
Last, realise that you can’t do this by yourself. It would be wise to find a coach, counsellor or a mentor who could guide you though your growth. It always helps to have an objective individual who is prepared to be truthful. This person could help you develop your emotional vulnerability, giving you exercises and tools to grow.
As a member of the New Generation a key to your success in your career will be to invest in your Emotional Intelligence.
Adel du Plessis CA (SA) & Hermann du Plessis are part of Therapeia, a Seta accredited consulting, training and coaching business, focussing on the human capital growth of corporate companies and individuals. Email us on adel@therapeia.co.za for more information.
