5 characteristics of emotional intelligence (that make you great to work with)

Communication and emotional intelligence

Solid communication is the foundation of strong relationships and F4S research shows that a high motivation for affective communication (the level of sensitivity and importance you place on tone of voice, gestures and other non-verbal expressions and communication) correlates with higher emotional intelligence.

The secret sauce to career success

Former Morgan Stanley investment banker James A. Runde described emotional intelligence as “…the secret sauce to career success” in his 2016 book Unequaled: Tips for Building a Successful Career Through Emotional Intelligence.

A Yale-led study in the Journal of Creative Behavior (2020) found that leaders who exemplified emotional intelligence fostered happier and more creative employees. 

Given the importance of EQ to effective leadership and communication, let’s consider what are the 5 characteristics of emotional intelligence, the benefits of each and how to develop them.

What are the 5 characteristics of emotional intelligence great leaders have?

1. Self-awareness

Self-awareness refers to the ability to recognize your emotions and understand the potential impact of your behavior on others. You are introspective and able to step back and evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and try to unravel how your emotions affect your interactions with others. 

Michael Scott from The Office is a perfect example of a character without self-awareness, which leads to an endless array of awkward situations. This serves as the basis of the cringeworthy humor that makes the show great, but would not be something a professional would want to emulate.

• A person with self-awareness understands the role their emotions, communication style and subsequent behaviors plays on their own relationships. (Learn how to get your communication on point)
  

• Individuals who are self-aware make an effort to take responsibility for their actions and are not ruled by their emotions. That’s not to say self-aware people are not emotional, rather, they identify those emotions and attempt to catch themselves before allowing the emotions to lead them to words or actions that could be destructive to themselves and others. 
  

• For example, a person who had a tough client meeting may go into their following meeting feeling out of sorts and want to go home and scream. However, if this person is self-aware, they may give themselves 5 minutes between meetings to reset. While they may have good reason for being upset, they can pinpoint why they are frustrated and see how taking their anger out on their co-workers would be hurtful and could damage the professional relationships they have worked so hard to build.

Benefits of self-awareness

Dr. Goleman outlines the benefits associated with self-awareness including having confidence and being receptive to constructive criticism. 

When someone is self-aware, they see themselves as continually evolving and are open to learning ways to improve. This is important in the workplace where professional development is vital to employees, especially with such uncertainties in the global economy. Recognizing areas where you can improve can be part of your career growth strategy. 

• If you are looking for a job, identify parts of target job descriptions where you need work and take a course or find other ways to improve those skills.
  

• If you are hiring members of a team, recruit people with an array of skills so everyone can learn from each other, regardless of titles. As a leader, remember to be humble and recognize how you can learn from your team.
  

• By being self-aware and identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can improve your performance at work and be a better leader.
  

How do you know if you are self-aware? 

• Are you good at identifying and monitoring how you feel at a particular moment?
  

• Have you been in situations where you felt strong emotions such as anger and then caught yourself about to say or do something out of frustration and thought better of it? 
  

• If co-workers and friends described you, would you be surprised by what they would say?

Ways to improve self-awareness

• Take a piece of paper and write down your strengths, weaknesses and how you would describe yourself. Now, have people you trust in your life describe you. Compare the two and look for patterns. What surprised you about how people see you? 
  

• Spend a week tracking your social and professional interactions. Keep a few notes on what you were feeling and how people responded to you. Can you see links between your emotions and the reactions of others? 
  

• Think about a person in your life who seems in touch with their emotions and remains even keeled in the face of adversity. Ask them for advice on how they roll with things even when they are tempted to get swept away in a whirlwind of emotions.

Self-awareness and thinking through consequences

We all have bad days and are not expected to be robots unaffected by the stress life throws at us, especially during these unprecedented times. However, someone with emotional intelligence has the insight to recognize when they are stressed and then consider how it’s not the stressor that matters, but their reaction to it that makes a difference. Which brings us to the next component of intelligence: self-regulation.

2. Self-regulation

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” - Benjamin Franklin

While Franklin said that in the context of fire prevention, the saying holds true in social contexts as well. A person high in emotional intelligence excels at not only identifying their emotions (self-awareness), but also managing (self-regulating) those emotions as well. They take the time to consider the impact of their emotions and behaviors on others and how this could affect their relationships going forward. 

Dr. Goleman explains that individuals high in self-regulation are flexible and not afraid of change. They demonstrate resilience and grit, and are skilled in conflict management and negotiating tricky situations. 

These self-regulators are high in conscientiousness and express themselves, but they have a sense of how and when to do so in an appropriate manner for the circumstances at hand. They see their impact on others and maintain accountability for their own actions.

Years to build, minutes to compromise

Self-regulation is like a social insurance policy, that can prevent you from getting yourself into sticky situations, rather than necessitating damage control after you explode and attempt to pick up the pieces.

Building trust with friends and clients takes a while, but it can be compromised in a fraction of the time. By thinking before you speak, you could save yourself from some proverbial fires.

It’s not enough to say, okay, I’m angry because I’m stuck in traffic and about to miss a big meeting. Self-regulation is about what comes next. There’s the course of action the frustrated version of yourself might feel like (yelling, honking the horn, taking it out on unwitting the person who calls you at a bad time) or a more constructive way to handle the situation (identify the frustration, talk yourself through it, problem solve). 

Once you are calm, you could call the meeting members, explain your situation and offer to conference in via phone from the car or reschedule the meeting time. When calm, you are in a much better position to think strategically and navigate a tricky situation.

Benefits of self-regulating

• Self-regulating allows you to cultivate a positive reputation. You will earn respect for your clear head and leadership under pressure.
  

• Self-regulation is a key component in relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in emotions and jump to conclusions, but taking time to consider the impact of your words and actions on others can go a long way in fostering effective communication that prevents unnecessary arguments.
  

• It will be much easier to navigate change and remain flexible when you are skilled in self-regulation. Change can be scary, but with the right attitude, one can see it as an opportunity rather than a liability. 

Do you self-regulate? 

• Do you speak and then think about your words or take a moment to consider the impact of your behavior on others?
  

• Do you bring home the stress of your work to your significant other or family, and find it frequently affecting your relationships with them?
  

• How did you handle the last crisis situation in your life?
  

How to develop self-regulation

• Give yourself a few minutes to process stressful situations (if possible). Think about what you are tempted to do/say and what the outcomes would be. Consider a calmer approach and envision a better outcome.
  

• Own up to your mistakes and try to make things right.
  

• Find ways to control your stress levels whether that’s meditation, yoga, walking, breathing exercises, or other activities. 

3. Motivation

Emotionally intelligent individuals have a firm sense of the intrinsic motivation that drives their decisions. They are motivated by internal rewards like a sense of purpose or accomplishment, and they understand this about themselves and others. They thrive when pushing themselves to do something they didn’t think they could do, like run a marathon.

Think of entrepreneurs launching a business. A founder will dedicate all of their free time to pursuing a dream that may never materialize, yet they are propelled in their endeavor by a sense of passion and belief in what they are doing.

Benefits of motivation

• Provides focus, which increases the likelihood of success (even if that success does not look the way you originally envisioned)
  

• Helps you deal with inevitable challenges in the journey to your goal
  

• Increases your sense of self-worth
  

• Inspires those around you

Are you motivated? 

• Are you proactive and like to set goals?
  

• Are you open to deferring immediate gratification for a promise of something greater down the road?
  

• Do you love a challenge?

How to develop motivation

• If you feel bored in your current role, consider what drove you to that position in the first place. Remember when you were excited to go to work. Ask yourself if there are still ways you can grow and develop as a professional? Perhaps there are committees could join or new projects to interject a sense of novelty and challenge to your work. If this isn’t possible, you might consider letting your intrinsic motivations guide you on your next career steps.
  

• Write down your main “why” – what gets you up in the morning and keeps you going whenever inevitable setbacks arise. It’s important to hold onto your main source of motivation when the going gets tough. For some that’s family, for others it’s a long-held dream.
  

• If you are leading a team with a low morale, explore ways to make each member feel valued and learn what personally motivates them. By understanding the unique motivations that drive team dynamics, you can gain insights to form a sense of shared purpose and reinvigorate the team.
  

• Remember the value of resilience. Consider your past successes. Trace your journey for each of those wins and think back to adversity you have overcome in the past as a reminder of what you are capable of achieving now.
  

• Need help keeping your team motivated while working from home? Check out 13 unique team motivation ideas to keep your remote team engaged.

4. Empathy

Empathy is an essential component of emotional intelligence and describes the ability to identify and understand how another person is feeling and imagine yourself in that person’s situation. In addition, empathy entails acting on this information. For example, when you hear that a co-worker lost a beloved pet, you would think back to how you felt when you lost your childhood dog and would offer consolation based on what helped you when experiencing that situation. 

Empathetic people make an effort to make someone feel better. They are open to viewpoints beyond their own and avoid making judgments. 

Individuals high in empathy understand the dynamics of social situations and are skilled in navigating the nuances of workplace business relationships. 

Executives who possess emotional intelligence incorporate empathy into their leadership style and do not subscribe to Machiavellian constructs that suggest employees fear their boss. Rather, empathetic leaders are secure in their role. They value their team and know that respect is earned, and people will work harder for someone they respect. 

By taking time to understand their team and demonstrate concern, they learn more about them and gain insights into how everyone can work together most effectively, which will improve performance. 

The benefits of empathy

• It allows you to understand others and gain insights into what they feel and why they behave a certain way.
  

• Empathy facilitates close relationships because you are taking into account the needs of another person. This will lead to better morale and a positive environment where team members can grow and feel safe enough to propose innovative ideas.
  

• Encourages a genuine connection with your team and can lead to better job performance when people feel supported and respect their leader.
  

• Helps managers deliver constructive feedback in a way that does not put the employee on the defensive. Instead, the staff member will feel that the leader is trying to help them develop as a professional and still believes in them.
  

Are you empathetic? 

• When you see that someone is upset, do you make an effort to console the person?
  

• Do you look at a person’s facial expressions, body language and listen to their words to try and understand how they are feeling and adjust your responses accordingly?
  

• When someone is going through a difficult time, do you think of when you experienced something similar and what provided comfort to you?

How to develop empathy?

Even if empathy does not come naturally to you, it’s a skill that can be developed. Here are some exercises to help:

• Read more fiction. This will allow you to inhabit the inner world of the character and consider how another person experiences the world.
  

• Make a conscious effort to be an active listener in conversations, where you not only avoid interrupting people, but also take the time to hear their message and pay attention to their body language as well. Too often, people spend so much time thinking about what they will say next, that they fail to be attentive listeners.
  

• When someone on your team is going through a hard time, think of how you would feel if you were in a similar situation. What kind of support would you want in that situation? Consider the other person’s needs and act with sensitivity.
  

• Don’t make assumptions about how someone is handling something. We are all unique and have our own way of experiencing the world. Just because someone is not reacting in a way you think they should, does not mean they are any less affected by their circumstances. 
  

• Don’t jump to conclusions. One of your co-workers or team members may be moody and you wonder if you offended them, but it may have nothing to do with you. Or they might be neutral communicators, meaning it’s harder to pick up on how they’re feeling. Simply ask them if they are okay, and don’t take it personally if they don’t feel like sharing.
  

• When a person is in visible distress, even if it’s the person in front of you at the coffee shop, ask if there’s something you can do to help. 
  

• Be genuine in your concern. People can tell when you are merely going through the motions. Remember, you would want sincere concern if the situation was reversed.

5. Social skills

Emotional intelligence and social skills go hand in hand. People with effective social skills excel at communicating with others and are known as team players. They thrive when cultivating relationships and are genuine in their interactions. 

Individuals with great social skills make others feel valued and understand the importance of sincere connections both in business and personal interactions.

Benefits of social skills

• Socially skilled leaders focus on others and understand that building up members of their team will allow everyone to flourish and result in positive outcomes for both the individuals and the organization as a whole. 
  

• Managers with great social skills successfully navigate office politics and know how to advocate for their team and motivate them as well. 
  

• They connect with stakeholders of all levels and know how to adjust their message to their target audience, so their message resonates with whomever they are speaking. 
  

• Those with social skills have a way of making people feel comfortable around them and bringing out the best in others.
  

• Having strong social skills allows an individual to be flexible and handle a variety of novel situations. They may not have all the answers, but they know how to connect with people who can help them find those answers. 

Are you socially skilled? 

• Are you comfortable connecting with people in groups or one-on-one? 
  

• Do people feel like they can get to know you easily and that you want to know them as well?
  

• Do you make people feel good about themselves?
  

How to develop social skills

You can develop your social skills through practice, even if you tend to be shy. Intentional communication is key, as well as making an effort to connect with others. 

• Ask people open-ended questions and encourage people to talk about themselves. Really listen to their responses and ask follow-up questions to show you are engaged. Active listening is an important part of emotional intelligence, for it will help you facilitate strong relationships. 
  

• Give people genuine compliments. If you are a leader, provide specific examples praising your employees and recognizing their successes. When providing constructive criticism, practice empathy and think of how you would feel hearing the review and ways that your message will be effectively received.
  

• Remember details about their lives (write brief notes for yourself in a spreadsheet and check it before you meet them again). You can ask about their family or the new dog they just rescued when you connect again.
  

• Challenge yourself to meet new people every day. Perhaps strike up a conversation while waiting for coffee or with the person sitting next to you at a professional conference. Try to go beyond your specific department and the same people you work with all the time. Join committees within your organization to meet others and expand your social horizons.
  

• Pay attention to the body language and nonverbal cues of your staff. Recognize your own body language. It’s not only the content of your message, but how you deliver that message. Are you creating a safe space for open discussion?
  

Developing your emotional intelligence is an important way to take your career to the next level and realize your true potential.

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Find out if you have these characteristics of emotional intelligence by signing up for F4S for free.

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Tiffany Franklin has been a career coach since 1998, guiding over 6,000 job seekers of all levels and industries through the finer points of a job search. In 2011, Tiffany launched her executive coaching business and has helped hundreds of clients, ranging from recent grads to those with 30 years of experience, mid-level career changers and everything in between. Her clients are based around the globe and are from industries including consulting, finance, IT, engineering, healthcare, entertainment, communications, public affairs, and criminal justice. She currently works as Associate Director for Career Services at an Ivy League university where she helps freshmen through master’s students with all aspects of their career search. Previously, she worked as a Recruiter for the largest creative staffing firm in the United States.