Emotional Intelligence:

Leverage in theWorkplace

GREG EAGERTON, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Discussion Objectives

Defining Emotional Intelligence (EI) Identifying the four skills of EI Identifying strategies for enhancing EI Implications for the workplace

Definitions

A person’s ability to understand their own emotions and the emotions of others and to act appropriately based on this understanding

Ability to manage emotions in one’s self and in others in order to reach desired outcomes

Three Factors Affecting Behavior

Personality

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Four Skills of Emotional Intelligence

Self-Awareness

Self-Management

Social Awareness

Relationship Management

Self-Awareness

Your ability to accurately perceive your own emotions in the moment and understand your tendencies across situations

Just thinking about self-awareness helps you improve this skill

When you have this skill, the other EI skills are easier to use

Self-Management

What happens when you act – or not act.

Your ability to use your awareness of your emotions to stay flexible and direct your behavior positively

Social Awareness

Your ability to accurately pick up on emotions in other people and understand what is really going on with them

Listening and observing are the most important elements of social awareness

Relationship Management

Your ability to use your awareness of your own emotions and those of others to manage interactions successfully

Relationship management poses the greatest challenge for most people during times of stress

Improving Your EI

Select one EI skill to work on Pick three strategies to begin

using for your chosen strategy Choose an EI mentor Keep the following in mind as

you apply your chosen strategies:

Improving Your EI (cont.)

Expect success, not perfection Practice, practice, practice Be patient

Example of Strategies

Social Awareness Strategies: a. Greet people by name b. Watch body language c. Live in the moment d. Practice the art of listening

e. Catch the mood of the room

Implications for the Workplace

Improved communication Improved teamwork Improved patient care Improved patient safety Improved work life

Questions?

Gregory.Eagerton@va.gov