Emotional intelligence affects workplace performance because qualities such as perseverance, self-control and getting along with others shape success as much as qualifications. The University Consulting Alliance found 67% of abilities linked to strong job performance related to emotional intelligence. Its five components are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill.
Last updated · Bodhih Insights team · reviewed by Siddharthan VGJ, Founder
Scholars may have coined the term “emotional intelligence” but business leaders quickly took the concept and made it their own. According to emotional intelligence or EQ, success is strongly influenced by personal qualities such as perseverance, self-control and skill in getting along with others. Workers with high EQ are better able to work in teams, adjust to change and be flexible. No matter how many degrees or other on-paper qualifications a person has, if he or she doesn’t have certain emotional qualities, he or she is unlikely to succeed.
As the workplace continues to evolve, making room for new technologies and innovations, these qualities may become increasingly important. According to the University Consulting Alliance, 67 % of all abilities associated with strong job performance were related to emotional intelligence. Another study by Multi-Health Systems and discussed in Inc. found that when stress negatively impacted employees’ emotional intelligence, their job performance and career advancement suffered.
Five key components of emotional intelligence essential for professional success:
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and comprehend one’s emotions, motivations and changing moods, as well as the effect that one’s emotions have on other people.
Self-regulation is the ability to control and in some cases even productively channel negative and/or disruptive emotions and impulses.
Motivation is defined as the drive to work for reasons that transcend money or status.
Empathy is simply the ability to understand the emotions, moods and dispositions of other people and to tailor one’s actions.
Social skill is the ability to build and maintain social networks and strong individual relationships with others.
Instead of bottling up emotions, try acknowledging your feelings while reframing your thoughts to stay positive even in trying situations. Building this awareness can not only help you thrive in a corporate setting and enjoy happiness in the workplace, but also lead to a more effective and satisfying life in general.
Quick answers
What are the five components of emotional intelligence?
The five components are self-awareness (recognising your emotions and their effect on others), self-regulation (controlling disruptive impulses), motivation (working for reasons beyond money or status), empathy (understanding others' emotions and tailoring your actions) and social skill (building and maintaining strong relationships and networks).
