Treating others as you wish to be treated is a principle many of us live by. But emotional intelligence (EI) takes this concept a step further by helping us understand not just how to treat others kindly, but also how to understand, manage, and respond to emotions in the workplace. This skill is essential for creating a positive, productive workplace where employees are engaged, motivated, and able to collaborate effectively.

EI is the ability to properly recognize, understand, and react to emotions, both your own and the emotions of others.¹ People with high EI are skilled at assessing the emotional dynamics of a situation and responding appropriately. This ability is especially critical in high-stress environments, such as those often found in the workplace.¹

In a collaborative setting, team members can possess all the technical skills required for success; however, interpersonal challenges (e.g., disagreements, mistakes, or miscommunications) can disrupt productivity. For example, a frustrated employee may publicly criticize a colleague, which can create tension and diminish motivation. This kind of interaction not only harms relationships but can also lead to disengagement.

To avoid such situations and foster a more motivated, engaged workforce, it’s important to integrate EI into everyday workplace practices. EI is not a one-time effort; it requires consistent practice and commitment from all team members. When implemented effectively, it leads to long-lasting improvements in employee engagement and motivation, even during challenging times.²

Stages of EI

To practice EI effectively, it’s essential to understand the neuroscience behind it and break the process down into three key stages:

• Identify – This is when you initially feel an emotion and can identify it, whether it’s embarrassment, jealousy, joy, etc. Identifying emotions helps you connect specific feelings with underlying causes, providing insight into why you are experiencing them.¹ Employees can use tools like journals or emotional check-ins to help identify their emotions more effectively.

• Respond – Once you’ve identified the emotion you are feeling and understand why you are feeling it, you can move on to the next stage of responding to it. This means adjusting your behavior while still expressing how you feel. Instead of reacting impulsively, you consciously choose how to communicate your emotions, ensuring your response is measured and constructive.¹

• Manage – The final stage is managing your emotions effectively. This means having the confidence to address your feelings calmly and clearly, without letting them overwhelm your behavior. It doesn’t mean suppressing your emotions, but rather regulating them to maintain a positive and open atmosphere.¹

Practicing these stages takes time and patience. As individuals become more adept at identifying, responding, and managing their emotions, they create a more emotionally aware workplace where empathy and effective communication thrive.²

Building EI in individuals

On a personal level, employees can build EI by practicing specific strategies that enhance self-awareness and strengthen connections with others. These strategies can improve both personal well-being and team collaboration, making employees more engaged in their work and team objectives.

1. Self-awareness: One of the most important components of EI is self-awareness. In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to lose touch with our emotions. Employees should make time to reflect on their feelings and how these emotions influence their actions. Regular self-reflection can help individuals recognize patterns in their emotional responses and prepare for future situations more effectively. Mindfulness techniques, such as staying present in the moment, can also help employees manage intense emotions and stay grounded.²

2. Self-regulation: Once employees are more self-aware, they can begin practicing self-regulation, which involves controlling emotional reactions. In high-stress situations, it’s crucial to pause before reacting. Techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or taking a walk can help employees calm down and approach a situation more rationally and with a clearer mindset. Self-regulation allows employees to remain composed, even when emotions are running high.²

3. Empathy: Empathy is a vital skill that enables employees to understand and relate to the emotions of others. Whether in the heat of the moment or during a more reflective time, practicing empathy allows employees to manage interpersonal dynamics effectively. Active listening and attempting to understand the perspectives of others are key strategies for building empathy. Additionally, reading books or watching films that explore complex emotional situations can help expand one's empathy in both professional and personal contexts.²

4. Social skills and personal motivation: Employees can also improve their EI by focusing on social skills, such as conflict resolution, and seeking feedback to enhance relationships with colleagues. Engaging in collaborative work helps employees practice the EI strategies outlined above, while also strengthening their ability to resolve conflicts. By soliciting feedback from others, employees gain insight into their emotional interactions and are more motivated to develop goals that improve team dynamics.²

How organizations can foster EI

Although EI is primarily an individual skill, organizations can play a crucial role in fostering an environment that encourages EI. When organizations invest in developing EI skills across their teams, they enhance morale, employee engagement, and motivation.

1. Training programs: One of the most effective ways to build EI within an organization is through training programs. Workshops, online courses, or company retreats focused on EI can help employees better understand how to navigate emotional situations in the workplace. Collaborative learning experiences are especially valuable, as EI is about interacting with others and understanding the complexities of human emotions.²

2. Leading by example: Leaders set the emotional tone of the workplace. By demonstrating high levels of EI, leaders can model the behavior they want to see in their teams. Leaders should not only manage their own emotions but also be aware of their team’s emotions. Recognizing when employees are stressed or disengaged enables leaders to take appropriate action and provide the support needed to address underlying issues. By showing empathy and emotional regulation, leaders can inspire their teams to adopt the same behaviors.²

3. Feedback and continuous improvement: Regular feedback meetings are an effective way to improve EI within teams. When employees receive feedback, they become more self-aware of their emotional responses and how they impact others. This feedback loop also helps employees set specific goals related to emotional regulation, improving collaboration, and team morale. A culture of feedback fosters a more emotionally intelligent workplace, where employees feel supported and motivated to develop their EI skills.²

4. Incorporating EI into hiring and promotion: To sustain a culture of EI, organizations can incorporate EI into their hiring and promotion processes. By evaluating candidates for their EI, organizations ensure that new hires are not only technically capable but also equipped to handle emotional complexities in the workplace. This ensures that EI remains a core value as the organization grows.

Conclusion

EI within the workplace is not merely a "soft skill," but a necessary value to implement in the day-to-day. By recognizing and managing our emotions, fostering empathy, and cultivating strong interpersonal relationships, we can build a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated. Integrating EI into your organization’s culture drives both individual and organizational success.

Ready to transform your workplace? Start by integrating EI into your leadership practices. Conduct an EI assessment with your team, provide training opportunities, and lead by example. By embedding EI into your organizational culture, you'll foster greater employee engagement and improve overall productivity.

References

1. Tait B. Understanding The Neuroscience Behind Emotional Intelligence. Forbes. Updated 2020. Accessed 3-4-25.

2. Tenney M. How Emotional Intelligence Affects Employee Engagement and Employee Motivation (and Individual and Organizational Strategies for Improving EQ). Business Leadership Today. Updated 2025. Accessed 3-4-25.