When people think about what makes someone successful at work, technical skills usually come to mind first. After all, knowing how to do your job is essential, right? But what many overlook is the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), which plays a huge role in workplace success. It’s not just about being good at your tasks; How you manage your emotions, interact with others, and face challenging situations is just as relevant—if not more.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the “emotional intelligence” definition and why it’s important for the workplace. We’ll explore how to develop emotional intelligence, share practical examples of it in action, and show how it can enhance both your work life and personal interactions.
What is emotional intelligence?
At its core, emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being aware of and influencing the emotions of others. It’s the skill that lets us use emotions constructively to communicate clearly, build strong relationships, and make thoughtful decisions. EQ helps us navigate the social complexities of the workplace, adapt to changes, and respond to challenges in ways that promote positive outcomes.
Emotional intelligence vs. intelligence quotient (IQ): What's the difference?
When it comes to professional success, both emotional intelligence (EQ) and intelligence quotient (IQ) play important roles—but they serve different purposes.
EQ is about understanding and managing your emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. On the other hand, IQ measures your cognitive abilities, such as your capacity for reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. It’s typically associated with academic performance and technical skills—what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge in structured, logic-driven tasks.
Emotional intelligence examples
Now that you know the meaning of emotional intelligence, it’s time to take a closer look at its four key components.
1. Self-awareness
Self-awareness allows you to respond to situations with clarity rather than reacting impulsively. “You can recognize your own emotions and understand how they may affect your behavior at the moment,” says career coach Amanda Augustine. “You can stay cool under pressure, handle negative feedback, and resist letting workplace stress overwhelm you.”
Being self-aware also lets you recognize your strengths and areas for growth, making it easier to take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
Examples:
- Giving and receiving feedback: When you’re aware of your emotions, you’re more likely to handle feedback—both positive and negative—constructively. For example, if you receive critical feedback, self-awareness helps you realize that it’s an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.
- Managing triggers: Recognizing situations that trigger your emotions (like certain types of stress) allows you to control how you respond, preventing knee-jerk reactions that can escalate conflicts or misunderstandings.
2. Self-management
Self-management is the ability to control and regulate your emotions, especially in stressful or challenging situations. This includes managing stress, staying adaptable, and not letting negative emotions dictate your actions, even when things aren’t going as planned.
Augustine offers this funny and relatable example: “If you’re in a work environment where the annoying buzzword ‘pivot’ is frequently used, employees with EQ are less likely to get flustered and will have an easier time going with the flow.”
Self-management helps you make thoughtful decisions and maintain a positive work environment. As you probably noticed, it goes hand-in-hand with self-awareness.
Examples:
- Staying calm under pressure: When you're facing tight deadlines, self-management helps you maintain composure. Instead of panicking, you can break down the task into manageable parts and work through it systematically.
- Handling conflicts: In a disagreement with a colleague, self-management allows you to control your emotions, express your perspective clearly, and listen to the other person, rather than getting defensive or upset.
3. Social awareness
Social awareness is all about empathy—being able to understand and share the feelings of others. “Employees with high emotional intelligence are successful at reading the room—picking up on the colleagues’ emotions and being able to respond with empathy,” Augustine says. “These professionals are naturally great communicators and active listeners. If you’re looking for a cross-functional team or project manager, these individuals are likely to be at the top of your candidate list.”
When you can read the emotional temperature of a situation or understand someone’s perspective, you can communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships. Social awareness is especially crucial in diverse, global workplaces.
Examples:
- Active listening: In meetings, actively listening to what others are saying (and how they’re saying it) helps you respond in a way that acknowledges their emotions, not just their words. It’s a skill that helps in collaboration and ensures everyone feels heard and valued.
- Cultural sensitivity: Social awareness also involves understanding cultural differences. For example, in a global team, respecting different communication styles, practices, and values can make a big difference in how smoothly the team works together.
4. Relationship management
Relationship management is the ability to build, maintain, and repair relationships in a good place. This includes resolving conflicts, managing disagreements constructively, and according to Augustine, being “more likely to positively influence others, especially those who may struggle with emotional intelligence.” Strong workplace relationships lead to better collaboration, higher morale, and overall productivity.
Examples:
- Managing disagreements: When conflicts arise, relationship management helps you address the issue without creating a hostile environment. By staying calm and empathetic, you can work through the disagreement and find a solution that benefits both sides.
- Motivating colleagues: Relationship management also involves encouraging and inspiring others. A manager with strong relationship management skills can motivate their team, help resolve interpersonal issues, and create a positive, collaborative atmosphere.
Emotional intelligence and leadership: What’s the connection?
Interestingly, employees with high emotional intelligence often emerge as natural leaders. They may not have the title of “manager” or “team leader,” but their ability to relate to others, manage stress, and resolve conflicts positions them as go-to individuals for guidance and support. They have a knack for motivating others.
“When it comes to making leadership and promotion decisions, EQ is just as, if not more, important than hard skills,” Augustine says. These employees frequently step up during times of change or uncertainty, taking the initiative to steer the team in the right direction without needing a title to validate their leadership.
The impact of emotional intelligence on career advancement
Emotional intelligence is highly regarded in hiring and promotion decisions in today’s workplace. “When it comes to hiring, employers often look for candidates who not only possess the necessary hard skills but also demonstrate self-awareness, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills—qualities that indicate they’ll work well with others and successfully handle stress,” Augustine says. Technical skills are essential, but they can be taught. Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, is harder to develop and has a more significant impact on overall success.
High EQ is also related to greater career success, including higher salaries and faster promotions. Augustine says that several studies have shown that professionals with strong emotional intelligence tend to earn more and advance more quickly in their careers.
For example, a 2022 study by TalentSmartEQ found that professionals with high emotional intelligence make an average of $29,000 per year more than those with low EQs. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 lists emotional intelligence and its components—such as flexibility, social influence, and empathy—among the top 10 core skills needed in business.
How to improve emotional intelligence skills
Emotional intelligence is something that can be developed with practice. Here are some actionable tips.
Engage in self-reflection
“If you’re trying to improve your own emotional intelligence in the workplace, start by focusing on your self-awareness,” Augustine says. “The more you can recognize and regulate your emotions in the workplace, the better.” Journaling can be a great way to track emotional triggers and patterns over time.
“A good place to start is by getting in the habit of taking a beat before reacting,” she says. Whether it’s handling an unexpected deadline shift or responding to criticism, pausing to reflect before acting can lead to better emotional control. Practicing mindfulness—such as taking deep breaths before reacting or stepping away to reset—can also help regulate emotions.
Enhance your active listening skills
Being a strong communicator isn’t just about speaking—it’s about truly listening. “Remind yourself to actively listen to your coworkers and pay attention to their body language, rather than simply waiting for your turn to talk,” Augustine says.
Active listening involves focusing on the speaker, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and interpreting non-verbal cues like body language and tone—sometimes, these speak louder than words. By doing so, you’ll not only improve workplace communication but also build stronger relationships with colleagues.
Seek feedback and coaching
Constructive feedback from mentors, managers, or peers can offer valuable insights into your emotional intelligence. Seeking input on how you handle stress, collaborate with others, or communicate under pressure can help you identify areas for growth. You can ask for examples of specific situations where you could’ve handled things differently. Being open to feedback—and acting on it—shows a willingness to grow and adapt.
Build empathy
Empathy is key to understanding others’ perspectives and fostering strong workplace connections. One effective technique is to validate others’ emotions by acknowledging their concerns before responding. It’s invaluable to understand (and never judge) why a coworker is feeling or acting in a certain way—it could even be related to problems from their personal life, such as traumas or difficulties. Practicing active listening, asking open-ended questions, and considering different viewpoints can also enhance empathy.
Practice conflict resolution
Disagreements are inevitable in any workplace, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Role-playing difficult conversations, using “I” statements to express concerns, and focusing on solutions rather than blame can help navigate conflicts productively.
For example, when addressing a missed deadline, instead of saying, “You never meet deadlines, and now I'm behind because of you,” try saying, “I felt stressed when the deadline was missed because it affected my workload. I’d like to discuss how we can ensure better communication next time.”
Taking a deep breath or a short walk before responding can also prevent emotional reactions from escalating into tense situations. By incorporating these strategies, employees can strengthen their emotional intelligence. “When you’re truly engaged in the conversation, asking thoughtful questions, and attuned with how they’re reacting to your questions, you’ll find your empathy and communication skills will begin improving,” Augustine says.
Flaunt your intelligence
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s an asset that can shape your career, strengthen your workplace relationships, and help you overcome professional challenges. By adopting small, intentional emotional intelligence habits—such as improving self-awareness, actively listening to others, and managing emotions under pressure—you can enhance it and set yourself up for long-term success.
So, take a moment to reflect: How well do you understand and manage your emotions? How do you respond to challenges at work? Make emotional intelligence a priority and you’ll see the benefits in no time!
FAQs
What does emotional intelligence mean in the workplace?
Emotional intelligence in the workplace refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions while also being aware of and responding to the emotions of others. It plays a key role in communication, teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution, helping employees succeed and build strong professional relationships.
Can EQ be more important than IQ at work?
Yes, in many cases, EQ can be just as important—if not more—than IQ in the workplace. While technical skills and problem-solving abilities (IQ) are crucial, emotional intelligence helps employees collaborate, manage stress, and adapt to changing situations. Many employers prioritize EQ when hiring and promoting employees because it directly impacts teamwork, leadership, and workplace culture.
How does emotional intelligence impact job performance?
Employees with high emotional intelligence tend to be strong communicators, active listeners, and empathetic colleagues. This leads to better collaboration, improved conflict resolution, and a more positive work environment. High EQ also helps individuals manage stress, stay adaptable, and handle feedback constructively—all of which contribute to overall job performance and career success.
Are there industries where EQ is more important than others?
While emotional intelligence is valuable in any profession, it is especially important in industries that require frequent collaboration, leadership, and customer interaction. Fields such as healthcare, education, sales, customer service, and management heavily rely on EQ for effective communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. However, even in highly technical fields, EQ plays a role in teamwork, leadership, and workplace dynamics.