In many professions, especially those in technology, there is a heavy focus on technical ability. However, if career success were defined by technical ability alone, classical musicians would be the richest, most successful performers on the planet.
No, career success in any industry is usually not solely dependent on technical ability. In the typical line of work, emotional intelligence is far more valuable than technical skills.
Emotional intelligence is loosely defined as the ability to understand and analyze emotions, yourself, other people, personal motivations and interpersonal relationships. Some aspect of emotional intelligence is innate, but it is possible to become more aware and insightful toward those around you.
Employers Value Emotional Intelligence
Most employers recognize that high emotional intelligence makes an employee more valuable. In a 2011 survey by Career Builder, 71 percent of hiring managers said they valued their worker’s emotional intelligence over their IQ, and 75 percent said they would be more prone to promote a worker with high emotional intelligence.
Companies often assess employees’ emotional intelligence to determine which have leadership potential or who ought to be promoted. According to Travis Bradberry, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, nine out of ten of top performers have high emotional intelligence, while just 20 percent of bottom performers are highly emotional intelligence. Simply put, you can be a top performer without being very emotionally intelligent, however, the odds are against it, according to Bradberry.
More Internal Motivation
Using years of experience and personal growth, those with a greater emotional intelligence are better able to handle their emotions, actions and reactions. They are also better able to harness internal motivation, which means less procrastination and higher productivity. This, in turn, brings about more self-confidence, enabling more focus on long-term career goals.
Teams can also establish their own internal emotional intelligence, with the most effective teams normally being the ones with the highest emotional intelligence. These teams are better able to establish a solid foundation of trust, a strong group identity and sense of group efficacy, all of which are key to high levels of cooperation, communication and performance.
Better for Mental and Physical Well-being
While there is some truth to the idea that ‘ignorance is bliss’ — those with a high degree of emotional intelligence normally have a sunnier outlook and more positive frame of mind than those with a lower emotional intelligence. Those with high emotional intelligence tend to be better at recognizing and empathizing with other people’s viewpoints – a crucial trait for avoiding and managing conflict. With a better self-awareness of our emotions, we can better communicate our feelings, which can generate a positive emotional feedback loop.
Moreover, those who are better capable of dealing with the stresses of daily life are more able to make smarter health-related choices, which has a positive effect on fitness.
We Can Increase Emotional Intelligence through New Opportunities
One way to increase your emotional intelligence is to expand your range of experiences. At SMCI, we specialize in connecting people to career opportunities where they can grow as people, which makes them better professionals. Please contact us today to find out how we can make you a more well-rounded professional.
