Emotional Intelligence Archives - Page 12 of 26

The Other Stuff That Makes Us More Successful At Work

Emotional Intelligence, Engagement, Positive Psychology, Workplace Culture / My Holland

If you want to be successful at work, you’re often told to go the extra mile, solve problems, achieve goals, always listen and don’t procrastinate among others. But, did you know that there are more straightforward ways that can lead to more success? Studies show that a strong sense of well-being and productivity go hand in hand. In fact, if you ask experts what does it have to do with performance, they’ll say “everything.” So, if you want to be more successful, maybe you need to first boost your state of happiness. Here are three ways that can help you. Be yourself at work The last thing you want to do is slip into a persona at your workplace. Keeping your guard up is self-defeating. Doing so takes a lot of effort and energy. Also, you may be selling yourself short and miss out on opportunities. Of course, if you aren’t who you really are at work, you’re not going to be happy. To be yourself at work means being real or authentic. Be honest with your opinions, feelings, likes and dislikes. Though remember to be tactful when expressing these. You might offend others. Being authentic also means asking questions when you don’t know something, taking responsibility when making mistakes and admitting shortcomings. You’re not expected to be perfect anyway. You can keep a lot of things about yourself private. Make sure though you are who you are at work, warts and all and not someone else. Build relationships with your colleagues People with strong links with their co-workers are more productive and satisfied. A 2003 study by the Johns Hopkins University Press revealed that individuals who have close ties handle stress better than those who seclude themselves. Also, having close relationships improves trust and teamwork. It encourages camaraderie and creates a sense of belonging which results in better engagement and performance. We’re not suggesting you go out of your way to make friends at work. We’re not implying either that you close your door to possible friendships. You can be friendly and remain professional with your co-workers and even subordinates. It wouldn’t hurt if you went out with them for drinks. Wherever you work, there’s no doubt, you’ll be better off if you have strong ties with your colleagues.

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Encourage Creativity and Innovation

Emotional Intelligence, Happiness at Work, Leadership / My Holland

Organizations claim they encourage employees to think outside the box. Not everyone practices what they preach. Many leaders become insecure when their subordinates come up with better ideas. Instead of encouraging creativity, they stifle it. But if you feel secure in your position, always ask your employees for their opinions and ideas. If there are better ways to perform tasks, it helps everyone in the organization. New ideas save time and also improve the bottom line. Make it a practice to listen to any new idea. Don’t dismiss it immediately if it hasn’t been tried yet. Be receptive and make comments later after you’ve made a proper study. Build Personal Relationships Get to know your employees better. Spend time with them at cafes, bars and restaurants. In a relaxed environment, you can find out what motivates them and what they enjoy doing. Who knows, you might even discover hidden skills which can be applied at work. Also, when they are comfortable with you, they’re likely to be more honest. Keep in mind you should be honest with them too. Foster friendships at your workplace. If employees work with people they see as friends, they’re more committed to the team and the organization. They’re bound to strive harder and become more engaging because they want to help their friends. You know this is true as you would always choose to work with people you call friends. Conscientiously apply the steps above and soon, you will see an improvement in your organization. What was once perhaps a group of indifferent people will now be replaced by highly engaged friends.

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The Art of Leadership During Difficult Times

Emotional Intelligence, Positive Psychology, Positivity / My Holland

The world is facing a crisis that has practically stopped everything. Well – almost everything has been put on hold. Except for essential workers, people are told to stay at home. Organizations that are deemed unnecessary are closed indefinitely. Most people will not earn a penny but will still have to spend on basic needs. Those that can continue to make a living from home are lucky indeed. What leaders will do during this pandemic will be closely watched by employees and clients of every organization. For leaders, this is a time to shine – amid all the uncertainty the world faces today. Compassion True leaders will care more about the people that work for them than for any financial loss their organization will suffer. Showing empathy is the key these days. With closures all across the world, employees will have to turn elsewhere for their financial needs. Not all organizations can advance salaries. Not everyone will receive unemployment benefits or government checks to tide them over. Leaders must make an effort to explain to their employees why tough decisions have to be made, including having to let go of many, if not all. You might have already heard of some CEOs taking pay cuts or altogether forgoing their pay just to support daily wage earners. Although not all can afford to do the same, leaders should find ways to help their employees cope during these difficult times. The current situation calls for compassion and this should be the guiding principle for all leaders. Community Involvement Now is the time to give back and leaders, despite any business loss, must prove that their organization is one with the community in fighting the effects of COVID 19. Offering delivery services, extending payment deadlines and assisting the elderly by buying for them their needs are some ways organizations can show they care for the community. Leaders must explore ways they can be of service to others. Aside from continuing to communicate with employees, they can also send messages of encouragement or comfort to clients. Why not a simple list of “dos” and “don’ts” to prevent the spread of the virus? Preparing for the Future One thing’s for sure; there will be a new normal once COVID 19 is defeated. Until that time comes, leaders can plan and take steps to be prepared once the situation returns to “normal.” For one, they can continue to invest in their employees by providing online counseling and training. If possible, leaders can conduct virtual meetings on what operational adjustments need to be made to observe social distancing and personal hygiene in the workplace. Also, if less human contact would be the preferred norm, leaders can discuss with their employees how they can better serve clients in the future. Great leaders will not only think of the here and now but also look forward to how their organization can thrive after COVID 19. The old adage “behind every dark cloud is a silver lining” should be everyone’s mantra these days. Leaders should explore what the silver lining is for their organization. Wrapping Up Crises test the mettle of leaders and it is obvious now who the great ones are. It’s not the ones who are first concerned with the bottom line. Great leaders are those who care about getting communities back on their feet when these crises are over.

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Emotional Intelligence

The Other Stuff That Makes Us More Successful At Work

Encourage Creativity and Innovation

The Art of Leadership During Difficult Times

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