Why Improving Emotional Intelligence Improves Team Productivity

Aleasa M. Word                                              Copyright 2015                           All Rights Reserved

There was a time when we were told to keep emotions outside of work………or is that time still here? The reality is, to do so would be humanly impossible. Displays of emotion are thought to be unacceptable in the workplace but as humans that is counter to our natural emotional being.

Emotions themselves don’t always have to be negative; therefore, it is quite sensible to include the awareness of emotion in vast areas of life. How many times have you had an exceptional day or week and because of your glee been over generous or made decisions that you wished you had not made later? The same is true when we are in a negative emotional state. Yes, it is easy to expect a staff member to keep their emotions and problems at home; however, these things are in our sub-conscious and always find a way to make their way to the conscious. Alternatively, when in a state of homeostasis our emotions allow us to factor in things that make sense to our decisions leaving us with less regret and or clean up later.

So how do we deal with emotions in the workplace, remain professional and increase productivity in our staff? Acknowledgement is the key but learning how to do that effectively can be done by increasing emotional intelligence!!! The reactions we give or receive are always candidates for reactionary change, but there is always a learning curve. Beginning to acknowledge things on a case by case basis can be tough for everyone especially where there has not been a culture of openness. For a team however, this will help build on each others' strengths and balance where there is weakness through the different personality types in your organization unleashing greater creativity. Each person has their individual strengths and an effective manager not only knows how to recognize them, but align them in a way that is productive for the company.

It’s been said a great manager has a great team; but, to be one you must recognize who you are, what you are, where you are strong, where you are lacking and improve where needed. Emotional intelligence is simply the other kind of smart which compliments your IQ and will help you get there! Once you have that in place you can then begin to use those same strategies with your staff! People who feel included and acknowledged feel they matter which speaks to our Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs in the area of belonging. When they feel they matter they don’t mind doing more for the company!

Originally appeared on noomii.com

Photo: Abhijitt Bhaduri/Flickr