Emotional intelligence
Increased success thanks to emotions: feelings are a product of evolution, which have always helped us deal with life. And they can also help us in our everyday business, if we handle them correctly.
The term in the title describes the ability to (correctly) perceive, understand and influence our own feelings and those of others. But do feelings have anything to do with the world of business? Where it’s all about measurable figures, assertiveness and success. Yes and no. The so-called “cool” side still exists in the business world; figures continue to play an important role in measuring success. However, we all know that emotions play a big role as well, such as with brand awareness. Hand on heart: when did you last purchase an Apple product because it was the best value for money on the market? Exactly. But the emotional element doesn’t just play a major role in brand awareness.
Emotional performance
The most successful managers all share certain similarities: they all have above-average emotional intelligence. Yes, specialist skills and IQ are important, but they are just the primary requirements for management positions. Emotions and the ways in which we control and correctly apply them also count for a lot. Managers who were regarded as popular by their staff due to their emotional intelligence achieved five times as much total return on investment for the company as those who were classified as less popular. Happy employees = happy customers.
Can this be learned?
Unfortunately not. But don’t worry, emotional intelligence can be developed. Because feelings are a product of evolution and have always helped us overcome problems. IQ and personality are fixed, but emotional intelligence is elastic; as soon as we work on it, neurons increase the flow of information between our rational and emotional brain. So, good news then.
The overall benefit
The ability to control our feelings determines how they are perceived. This is the only way we can work with them and meaningfully apply them. And it’s worth it, especially in the business world. Emotions are deeply entrenched in us, have helped us cope with life in the past and will continue to do so in future. Take the plunge.
Soon on this channel: five tips for developing your emotional intelligence.
Published 25.08.2017 © Brandsoul AG
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