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Emotional intelligence - driving the workforce
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26th May 2006 
 
Building constructive relationships, improved stress management, effective work life balance and successful communication are the keys to achieving a more productive and positive work environment and are reflective of the concept of 'EQ' or emotional intelligence, according to corporate trainer and mentor at Corporate XL, Tao De Haas.  
 
Today, De Haas spoke to leading business professionals at the Queensland Institute of Chartered Accountants Business Forum about how the concept of 'EQ' (emotional quotient) or emotional intelligence could help them recruit and retain talented staff in order to overcome the current skills shortage.  
 
"EQ is a set of abilities essential to personal and organisational effectiveness, something dynamic happens when an organisation enriches itself with individuals who develop their 'EQ'. It is just like adding a powerful engine to the organisation, propelling it forward with inspiration, passion and enthusiasm," De Haas said.  
 
With a background in psychotherapy and Social Ecology, De Haas, said research has indicated that nine out of 10 people say they are more productive when they work with others who have a positive attitude and high 'EQ' - 'EQ' is the new currency he went on to say.  
 
According to psychologists Salovey and Mayer, who coined the term Emotional Intelligence, 'EQ' is the ability to:  

  • Perceive emotions or empathise
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  • Access and generate emotions to assist thought,
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  • Understand emotions and emotional knowledge and
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  • Reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.
 
"These skills allow us to understand and adjust our responses to events and people, they enable us to positively influence others, resolve conflict, communicate more effectively and make considered decisions, " De Haas said.  
 
Many well known Australian companies such as NAB, Westpac, ANZ are among the tens of thousands international companies who are discovering that 'EQ' is not a not a skill that comes naturally, it is an acquired skill set that is learned.  
 
"While the concept of emotional intelligence may seem like commonsense, it is not always common practice, in fact research indicates that only 36 percent of the population are aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others, but by developing one's emotional intelligence, which anyone can achieve, people can change their behaviour as a result of observation, deliberation and choice," De Haas said.  
 
"Australian employers are becoming increasingly eager to launch EQ programs not for altruistic reasons but because it makes perfect business sense - it can boost productivity and profitability and will create a co-operative, collaborative and supportive work environment," De Haas said.  
 
De Haas outlined the four steps to achieving Emotional Intelligence:  
  • Notice what we or others are feeling
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  • Determine the potential thoughts that accompany that feeling
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  • Ask yourself, where is this feeling coming from?
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  • Ask, what do I want myself or someone else to feel and how can I make that happen?
 
"Emotional Intelligence is also about responding and not reacting. Reacting increases stress levels and does not achieve the best possible outcomes.  
Responding is about understanding the situation, it is often delayed and provides greater opportunity process the information and seek advice, enabling better decisions and therefore better outcomes," De Haas said.  
 
"In a climate where recognising, understanding and responding to how others think, feel and act is necessary for effective and influential communication, developing 'EQ' has proven to boost and develop an individual's career success and an organisation's staff retention rate," De Haas concluded.