EQ: The What
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being aware of and responding to the emotions of others. It is a crucial skill in any workplace, but it is especially important in an office environment where professionalism, collaboration, and public service are at the core of daily responsibilities. At the Morgan County Probate Office, strong EQ helps us create a productive and respectful workplace by allowing us to navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships with both coworkers and the public.
While technical skills and knowledge are essential to our roles, EQ is what enables us to work well together, provide excellent service, and handle high-pressure situations with confidence. The good news is that emotional intelligence isn’t a fixed trait—it can be developed and strengthened over time with intentional practice.
Before we go further into Emotional Intelligence, take a moment to reflect on your current level of self-awareness and emotional management. Your responses will help guide your growth as we continue.
Self-Assessment: Emotional Intelligence
Please take a few moments to answer the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for growth in your leadership and daily life?
Do I consider how my emotions affect my decisions and interactions with others?
How well do I manage my emotions, especially in stressful situations?
How much do I understand the feelings and needs of my coworkers?
Do I listen to others without judgment and try to see their perspective?
Am I genuinely empathetic?
What motivates and inspires me as a leader?
Am I passionate about my work and making a positive impact?
Am I committed to improving my emotional intelligence?
This self-assessment serves as a starting point in understanding your Emotional Intelligence. Taking time to reflect on your answers and focusing on areas for growth will support your development.
“Emotional intelligence grows through perception. Look around at your present situation and observe it through the level of feeling.”
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand and regulate your emotions while also recognizing and responding to the emotions of others. It was first defined by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey in 1990 and later popularized by Daniel Goleman, who emphasized its importance not just in leadership but in all professional environments. He noted that while IQ and technical skills are important, EQ is what truly sets great leaders apart. To better understand how EQ works in everyday situations, let’s break it down into four key components. Each of these plays a crucial role in how we interact with others, manage our emotions, and maintain a balanced and professional workplace.
The Four Components of EQ
Self-Awareness: Recognizing and understanding your own emotions.
Self-Management: Managing emotions in a healthy and productive way.
Social Awareness: Understanding and empathizing with the emotions of others.
Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong, positive workplace relationships.
Each of these plays a role in how we interact with others, handle challenges, and build strong workplace relationships. We’ll explore these in more detail in the next lesson.
“Let’s not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives and we obey them without knowing it.”
Many people step into professional roles because of their technical skills. But being effective in the workplace is about more than knowing how to do the job. It’s about managing emotions, working well with colleagues, and creating an environment where everyone can succeed. This is where Emotional Intelligence comes in.
The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions while also being aware of and influencing the emotions of others helps build trust, resolve conflicts, and maintain positive working relationships. The good news? EQ isn’t fixed. Like a muscle, it can be strengthened with practice and effort. Daniel Goleman, a leading researcher on the topic, compares emotional fitness to physical fitness—built through intention, habit, and repetition.
Employees with strong EQ can handle challenges constructively, communicate effectively, and create a positive work environment. EQ also plays a critical role in decision-making, conflict resolution, and overall office morale.
An individual with high EQ understands their own emotions, triggers, and biases. This self-awareness allows them to respond thoughtfully in any situation, setting a positive example for their coworkers.
Developing EQ can make a significant impact on your professional success. When employees develop their EQ, they:
Make better decisions by staying calm and thinking clearly under pressure.
Resolve conflicts more effectively by understanding different perspectives and finding fair solutions.
Build trust with coworkers by being self-aware and emotionally intelligent.
Adapt to change with confidence and composure.
Foster workplace engagement by creating an environment where colleagues feel valued and motivated.
Encourage innovation by making it safe to share ideas and take risks.
Just like a strong foundation supports a sturdy structure, a strong EQ supports career growth and workplace success. High EQ helps manage stress and keeps the office running smoothly. However, while emotions are important, professionals must base decisions on logic, not just feelings.
Here are a few ways to strengthen your EQ:
Increase Emotional Awareness: Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day and identify what triggers certain emotions.
Learn to Manage Emotions: Once you recognize your emotions, work on managing them effectively. Find healthy ways to handle stress and express emotions in a positive way.
Practice Empathy: Try to understand the perspectives of others. Listen actively and put yourself in their shoes.
Build Strong Workplace Relationships: Genuine connections with coworkers are key to success. Be authentic, listen actively, and communicate openly.
Be Mindful of Communication: Your tone, body language, and word choice influence how others perceive and respond to you.
As we wrap up this session, take a moment to think about what you've learned. Building your EQ takes time and dedication, but the benefits are worth it.
At the Morgan County Probate Office, strong Emotional Intelligence is essential. Our work requires us to interact with the public, support our coworkers, and navigate complex situations with professionalism and care. By strengthening our EQ, we create a more collaborative, effective, and supportive workplace.
Before we continue, consider these reflection questions:
Can you think of a time when your EQ helped diffuse a tense situation in the office? What was the outcome?
What are some specific ways you can use emotional intelligence to strengthen your workplace relationships?
Reflect on a situation where emotions ran high. How did you manage your response, and what would you do differently next time?
In the next lesson, we’ll break down the four components of EQ and explore practical ways to apply them in your daily work. Keep reflecting, keep growing, and let’s continue building a strong foundation for leadership together.
Expand your understanding of Emotional Intelligence with the following resources. Use this opportunity to refine your leadership skills and navigate challenges with the care and professionalism that define The MCPO Way.
What Makes a Leader?
Daniel Goleman
What People (Still) Get Wrong About Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman
Emotionally Intelligent People Embrace These 10 Simple Rules
Justin Bariso