(Day 3) 9th March - My Research Aim

Upon on-action reflection, I finalised my research aim/question and topics of interest to consider throughout my self-reflective journey. 

How can a high emotional intelligence improve intrapersonal and interpersonal skills for efficient teamwork?

Lack of trust: how can I trust my team mates? 

Control: controlling my passion and need to dominate. How control relates into leadership? 

Emotional intelligence (EQ): how does my emotional state impacts my work and team as an emotional person?

Patience and empathy: understanding others and different personality types.

“Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to identify, assess, manage and control self and reactions to others' emotions”   Meyer J.D., Salovey P. & Caruso D.R. (2008) Emotional Intelligence: new ability or eclectic traits. American Psychologist 63(6), 503–517,. Karimi, Leila (01/01/2014). "Emotional rescue: the role of emotional intelligence and emotional labour on well‐being and job‐stress among community nurses". Journal of advanced nursing 

Emotions and Behaviours at Work. Model on Emotional Intelligence. Available at: https://www.ebwonline.com/resources/Images/ebwdiagram2a.jpg

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) studies have highlighted the correlation of success in work and personal life. “The definition of leadership has been changing, and an emphasis on emotional intelligence has emerged” (Moss, 2018). EQ is defined as the ability to recognise, understand and manage ones feelings and emotions, as well as others. In reference to psychologist Daniel Goleman EQ has five components. 

1. Self-Awareness: recognising own strengths, weaknesses, moods and the impact on others. Self-aware people are less easily offended, and learn and adapt.

2. Self-Regulation: thinking before doing, expressing with maturely; rather than being controlled by emotions and impulses, control emotion and impulses.

3. Internal Motivation: self-motivated, pursuing personal goals for self-development and gratification. 

4. Empathy: meaning recognising, understanding and feeling the emotions of others. Sharing the emotional experience.

5. People Skills: Easily build trust and respect with others. Good at managing relationships and building networks, avoid power struggles, high levels of the first four make deeper, organic bonds.

Moss, J (2018) reports A study involving over 2500 hiring managers showed that 71% valued a high EQ over high IQ. When asked why, they cited the following reasons:

• High EQ employees are better at staying calm under pressure.

• They listen as often or more often than they speak.

• They lead by example.

• They make more thoughtful business decisions.

• They take criticism well and admit their mistakes and learn from them.

• They keep their emotions in check and can discuss tough, sensitive issues thoughtfully and maturely.

• They are able to effectively resolve conflict.

• They are empathetic to coworkers and react accordingly.

“In business and leadership, it is clear why emotional intelligence is so important. In the increasingly diverse world we live in, EQ is a necessary tool for providing social and economic solutions to people of vastly different circumstances and needs". The author then goes to highlight how to improve EQ through practice. Pause before speaking, acting and responding.

Listen to others. This allows for better understanding of needs and emotions of others, shifting the focus from own needs.

Attempt to control your thoughts. Whilst you cannot control what happens or emotions in the moment, you can control how to respond by directing and controlling thoughts. 

Praise others. Allows focus on the positive in others, encouraging empathy and deeper understanding of peoples needs and motivations. 

Reflect on criticism and grow from it. Can be hurtful but always helpful, improve and grow.

Pay attention to body language. Communication is also non-verbal, feelings can be conveyed. 

Apologise. Intentions can be misunderstood and feelings get hurt, this shows compassion and better understanding whilst building trust and respect.

Try to see another persons view. Relate and empathise, consider the others needs and emotions.

Communicate your feelings. Allows mutual understanding and avoid future problems.  

Within the first article and study of EQ, I recognise areas of improvement which are highlighted above. Some insight to improve my team skills had be recognised within my on-action research regarding the previous client brief. Two areas which are currently standing out to me are empathy and communicating my feelings.