How Improving Your Emotional Intelligence Can Help Grow Your Career

Posted on September 10, 2022 by John and Connie Kuder, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.

Did you know that emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most important skills for career success? In this article, we’ll discuss what EQ is and how it can help you achieve your goals.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

The definition of emotional intelligence has been widely debated, but generally speaking it refers to the ability to be aware and understand one’s own emotions, and the emotions of others. This can help you manage stress, relationships, and other aspects of your life. Emotional intelligence can also help you achieve your career goals.

Emotional Intelligence Books

The original book on the topic, “Emotional Intelligence”,  was written by Daniel Goleman in 1995. It discusses how people can improve their emotional intelligence. It has been said to be one of the most influential books on the topic and has helped many people in their careers.

There are many books on emotional intelligence. Some popular ones include “The Emotional Intelligence Workbook for Teens” by Barbara L. Fredrickson, “The EQ Edge: How to Thrive in a Competitive World” by Marti Olsen, and “Empathy: Why It Matters and How to Get It” by Daniel Goleman.

There are two books with the same title, “Emotional Intelligence 2.0”, written twelve years apart. The first was written an 2009 by Travis Bradberry. The second was written in 2021 by Joseph Griffith. 

Amazon’s author bio on Joseph Griffith describes him as, “… one of the leading experts in the science of persuasion, of mental manipulation.” Three of his other books deal with Dark Psychology. The sample of his Emotional Intelligence book on Amazon did not make me want to read the book.

On the other hand, I own Bradberry’s book and can recommend it. It is shorter than Goleman’s and less academic. It is much more focused on EQ in the workplace and practical application of EQ skills.

How Does Emotional Intelligence Affect Career Success?

Improving your emotional intelligence can help you in many areas of your life, including your career. Here are five ways that improving your EQ can benefit you:

1. Improve communication and teamwork skills. Being able to effectively communicate with others is key for any successful career, and improved EQ can help you achieve this goal. When you are able to read and understand the emotions of those around you, you are more likely to be able to work cooperatively and productively together.

2. Enhance leadership skills. Leaders need to be able to manage their own emotions as well as the emotions of those around them in order to be successful. Those with strong emotional intelligence can not only lead teams effectively, but also stay calm under pressure and

3. Improve your ability to problem solve. When faced with a difficult situation, those with strong emotional intelligence are better able to find solutions that work for everyone involved.

4. Increase your productivity and efficiency. Those who are able to manage their emotions well are less likely to get bogged down by stress and frustration, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

5. Enhance your overall well-being. Those who have strong emotional intelligence skills tend to have healthier mental and physical health, as they are better able to cope with stressors in their lives and maintain a positive outlook on life overall.

There is no doubt that emotional intelligence (EQ) is an important factor in career success. Individuals with high EQ skills are typically better at managing their emotions, communicating effectively, and networking. They are also more likely to be successful in leadership roles.

In fact, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that having high EQ skills can increase your earning potential by up to 40%.

In Bradberry’s Emotional Intelligence 2.0 book, he shares their research that every 1-point increase in your EQ, as measured by their own assessment, equates to about $1,300 higher salary.

So if you want to achieve greater career success, make sure you develop your EQ skills!

What Are Some Ways to Improve My Emotional Intelligence?

1. Learn to be mindful of your own emotions and how they are impacting your thoughts, behavior, and relationships.

2. Practice self-compassion and be understanding of yourself when you make mistakes. 

3. Be aware of your body language and use it to communicate your emotions.

4. Seek out social activities that will help you build relationships and learn from others.

5. Practice self-discipline and stay focused on your goals.

As you can see, emotional intelligence is a skill that can help you achieve your career goals. If you want to succeed, then it’s important to develop your EI skills.

To reach us, simply search for Kuder Consulting Group on the internet or your preferred social media platform.