Businesses are now structured in a way that almost everyone has some level of decision making ability. Whether the decisions are big or small, they have a direct impact on how successful, efficient and effective individuals are on the job. Till now it was assumed that successful people are basically very smart and hard working. Studies have also found that there is some correlation between IQ and success. But on the other hand it is also true that some people with high IQ has failed in a job, while some with average intelligence have performed exceptionally well.

New studies and research suggest that emotional intelligence, measured by Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) is a better predictor of success than the traditional measures of Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Emotional intelligence is the foundation of sound decision making, which is at the core of consistently high performance. It is not about being soft, emotional and nice, infact it is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity.

Employers treat emotional quotient seriously these days and this is why there is a lot of focus on workplace happiness and congeniality. In the business environment, Emotional Quotient is important because it helps you leverage your awareness of emotions for effectiveness in the workplace.

People think that being emotional at work can be hazardous. Emitting emotions consistently act negatively in their work and promotions. Display of emotions is assumed as unprofessional, nobody will tolerate outpour of tears at every difficult situation in the office. Also, anger and agitation make the situation difficult at the workplace. So, control of emotions is must, emotions can be balanced to have a healthy work lifestyle.

Learn to be emotionally connected with work without getting too sensitive.

Self-analysis

To be emotionally intelligent you have to analyse yourself and identify your weak and strong areas. Some people get touchy with certain matters or people at work, avoid doing so. Accept every task professionally and work it in a way it should be done. Do not modify it by being emotional for others. If you understand your weaknesses well, you will always be successful in rectifying issues at work.

Realistic Approach

Being overemotional for certain task sometimes leads to an unrealistic plan to accomplish it. Dont get too excited to accomplish any task. It is always essential to be a realistic planner. As soon as you get the task, be calm and then plan for it. Over excitement is always harmful and aggression is always harmful at workplace.

Be aware of your limitations

To work with the limitations is one of the most important aspects of emotional intelligence. Everyone cannot be an expert in all the areas and all the employers understand this. So, do not try to take up any such task which you cannot accomplish. It is always better to leave the things which you cannot do rather than taking it and highlighting your imperfection.

Emotions are involved in every human interaction and are a powerful factor in the equation when individuals, teams, managers and organizations as a whole work together. Employees EQ has everything to do with the quality of decisions they make and on the results a business achieves. With knowledge, training and experiential learning, people can learn to manage their emotions instead of being managed by them. Bringing a balance in your emotions is a long process. Do not expect any miracles immediately. Therefore, do not get impatient and quit midway. Make yourself feel as secure as possible to begin with.

The author is Ritu Mehrotra, vice president, Global Talent Management of Bristlecone, a Mahindra Group Company.