One of the most important factors of being a manager is that of Emotional Intelligence. Combining EQ and your managerial responsibilities can be a challenging task. In a recent article on the Harvard Business Review ways to balance analytical and emotional intelligence were explored.
There are two networks in our brains that are required to be a successful manager. One that gives us task-focused attention needed to solve problems, and one that facilitates reflection, compassion, and social connection.
In a world experiencing mass retrenchments amidst a global pandemic, compassion is in desperate need but so is making sure your company survives. Leaning too heavily on compassion can lead to one struggling to keep growing their business while leaning too heavily on problem-solving can mean that you miss the real struggles that your employees and colleagues are going through.
We need to use both networks in order to be effective leaders, but how in the world do we do that right now?
As we are amidst a pandemic, starting from a place of emotional intelligence would probably be the wisest. There are a few benefits to ensuring that you have emotional intelligence in the workplace, it is linked to higher job satisfaction and better job performance. Two things that will help you and your employees in the middle of everything happening in the world right now.
There is research that shows how emotional intelligence positively impacts overall performance. So maybe in order to make sure your business survives, focusing on emotional intelligence is the way to go.
Here are 5 ways you can become a more emotionally intelligent and empathetic manager during a global crisis.
1. Work on self-awareness
In order to be emotionally intelligent, you need to know yourself first. Being clear about your behavior and triggers, so you can act without emotional charge. This way you will be clearer in the way you communicate and avoid misunderstandings.
2. See the glass half full
Right now it can be incredibly easy to be negative about your business. You might be focusing on all the struggles you are going through, but what if you rather see it as a global crisis and make sure to quickly pivot your business. Adapt and adjust to what’s necessary. Keep the vision alive and believe that your business will be successful again. Not only could this help your business succeed by manifesting its success but also when you think positively, you will attract positive thoughts and attitudes in others too.
3. Be real
Many business owners haven’t been honest with their employees over the last few months, and the frustration from that is palpable. Be open and honest with yourself and your team. Only from a place of vulnerability can creative solutions arise. From here people will support you and your business.
4. Practice empathy
Practicing the steps of empathy will help you become better at it. When you are listening to someone, simply try to put yourself in their shoes, concentrate on how you respond and focus on the physical aspects of how you listen. Having sessions with your team where you practice might just bring amazing results.
5. Prioritize self-care
Think of the example of an oxygen mask in a plane. You cannot help your child if you run out of oxygen, you need to make sure that you have oxygen in order to protect your child. Life is like that sometimes, if we do not care for ourselves we cannot care for others. Eat healthily, rest properly, spend time in nature, connect with those that bring you joy.
Make sure to practice self-care so that you can lead your team with care and empathy.
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