Behaviors are partly the result of our environments and partly inborn. However, barring some form of mental illness where controlling behaviors might be near impossible, we can all learn to improve our EQ (Emotional Quotient) or behaviors. Organizations with healthy EQs are more productive and experience more success.
Simply put EQ is the ability to recognize, understand and use the power of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity. In short is the ability to manage our emotions. No doubt, every reader of this article remembers at least one experience with either our own or someone else’s two year old throwing a tantrum. Later, we have the pleasure of witnessing that same two year old grow into a mature, young adult with exceptional behavior skills. In addition, we have all had the experience of an adult who has not mastered behavioral norms, in the workplace.
Such behaviors in the workplace can affect the organization’s bottom line. This is particularly true if the organization has a culture of poor EQ. To determine if your organization has a poor EQ culture, take the following quiz:
1. Do managers spend their time and energy diverted to emotionally charged people and situation?
2. Does productivity decline because of rudeness and hostility?
3. Have employees lost time worrying about an unpleasant incident?
4. Do employees waste time avoiding the co-worker who treats them poorly?
5. Has commit to the organizations, job or certain tasks waned due to bad emotional incidents?
6. Is there turnover due to bad treatment?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions. It may be necessary to take action to change your organization’s culture. Here’s how…
1. Modeling
Leaders must model the behaviors they want their organizational culture to reflect. Leaders have the best opportunity for the greatest impact on the most people. Therefore, it is essential that they model EQ behavior.
2. Obtain Buy-In
Just handing out information about EQ via your intranet or flyers will not work. Administering valid, reliable and scientifically based assessments on your team. Be sure to have them debriefed by a certified individual who understand confidentiality. Then, providing training sessions on EQ will help make the difference. Activities such as these help employees understand what’s in it for them. Further, training gives them the tools they need to practice EQ and provides understanding about how raising their own EQ scorers can help them achieve both personal and professional goals.
3. Coaching
Coaching can help provide further guidance for higher EQ behaviors at every level of your organization. Coaching helps increase productivity, improve communication and enhance collaboration. This spills over to the bottom line in a positive way.
So while some behaviors are from nature and some are from nurture, new behaviors can be learned through assessments, training and coaching. It is important to remember that the idea of positive behaviors or EQ is not just the flavor-of-the-month. The reason you should care is that individual human interactions make up many of the everyday activities in every organization. Therefore, growing a culture with a high EQ will move your company ahead of the pack, and promote better collaboration, creativity, better decisions and positive energy.
Graphic Credit: iStock
