Module Two: Emotional Intelligence
It is a mystery to me. It seems that as a person increases his or her responsibility or position in an organization, their ability or willingness to exercise EQ (emotional intelligence) decreases. The same is true in our personal lives. Many times, when we find ourselves in a position of power or leverage, we forget or refuse the importance of EQ in relationships. Toxic work environments are created because of a lack of EQ. Relationships that are struggling can almost always point to a failure by one or both parties to exercise strong EQ. I will admit that developing and demonstrating strong EQ is hard work. However, the data is clear, refusing to infuse EQ in your daily life will result in lower job and life satisfaction.
It’s really not a mystery. Choose to demonstrate EQ with those you lead and love and you will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Success at work is about more than just technical skills. It’s about how we handle challenges, communicate with others, and maintain a productive and respectful workplace. Emotional intelligence (EQ) helps us stay composed under pressure, navigate difficult conversations, and build meaningful relationships with colleagues and the public.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being aware of and responding to the emotions of others. It allows us to communicate effectively, handle conflicts with patience, and make thoughtful decisions that benefit both ourselves and those around us.
At the Morgan County Probate Office, teamwork is essential. We rely on each other to serve the public, solve problems, and keep daily operations running smoothly. Just like communication, emotional intelligence is a foundation of strong teamwork. It builds trust, minimizes misunderstandings, and helps us work through challenges together. When we understand our own emotions and recognize the feelings of others, we create a workplace that is both productive and supportive.
This module will help you develop emotional intelligence in ways that benefit both personal growth and workplace success. Here’s what we'll cover:
EQ - The What: Emotional intelligence shapes how we manage emotions, build relationships, and make decisions. This lesson introduces what EQ is, why it matters, and how it influences teamwork and leadership. You’ll also reflect on your own EQ and identify areas for improvement.
The Components of EQ: EQ is made up of four key areas: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. Each of these plays a role in how we interact with others and handle workplace challenges. This lesson breaks them down and provides practical ways to strengthen your emotional intelligence.
EQ - The Why: EQ affects everything from stress management to decision-making. This lesson explores why emotional intelligence is critical for workplace success and how it helps us navigate challenges with confidence. You’ll reflect on your own EQ and discover ways to develop it further.
Empathy: Empathy allows us to connect with others, understand their perspectives, and build stronger relationships. This lesson focuses on how empathy improves teamwork, communication, and trust. You’ll learn practical strategies to enhance empathy in your daily interactions.
“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head—it is the unique intersection of both.”
At the end of this module, you will have a stronger grasp of emotional intelligence and practical ways to use it in both work and daily life. Strengthening EQ enhances teamwork, improves communication, and supports a workplace where professionalism, mutual respect, and collaboration thrive. When emotional intelligence becomes a habit, it not only improves workplace relationships but also helps navigate challenges with confidence and understanding. Let’s get started!