Role of Emotional Intelligence in HRM

We all have heard and known about IQ (Intelligence Quotient), but what we know about EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is very less. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to identify, control and manage one’s own emotions and the ability to understand and manage the emotions of others (Intelligence, n.d.).

How to know if you are emotionally intelligent? 

According to Justin Bariso founder of Insight, following are few signs of that one is emotionally intelligent.

Thinking about the feelings and raising questions such as is this a strength or a weakness, which would allow one to analyse his/her emotions. (Bariso, n.d.)

Pause before speaking (Bariso, n.d.), pausing before uttering words and thinking how they could affect the person who is going to listen, this will reduce the embarrassments (Bariso, n.d.).  

 

Benefit from criticism (Bariso, n.d.), even though it is hard to tolerate criticism, you will be able to take those negative comments as feedbacks and learn from them without responding back.

Having empathy (Bariso, n.d.), you will be able to feel and understand how exactly others feel according to their situations and circumstances.

Having humility & praise others, you will be humble and apologizing instead of showing ego (Bariso, n.d.). And you will praise others for their achievements and good work. 

How EQ relates to HRM?

Some studies have found that there is a connection between EQ and job performance and some other studies say that there is no correlation between the two. Nowadays, some organizations have introduced EQ tests as a part of their employee recruitment process, believing that following would be the outcome, someone who has higher EQ will be a better leader or a co-worker. And since it is still in the developing stage, it is hard to measure or guess someone’s emotional intelligence on the job. (Intelligence, n.d.)

And it is necessary for HR Professionals to improve their EQ to become a good manager who is preferred by everyone as well as to understand well about their subordinates. And as HR Managers, they should consider not only the academic results of their recruits but also about their personal strengths such as higher EQ level. (Fatt, 2002)

References

Bariso, J., n.d. 13 Signs of High Emotional Intelligence. [Online]
Available at: https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/13-things-emotionally-intelligent-people-do.html
[Accessed 23 May 2019].

Fatt, J. P. T., 2002. Emotional intelligence: for human resource managers. Management Research News, 25(11), pp. 57-74.

Intelligence, E., n.d. Emotional Intelligence. [Online]
Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/emotional-intelligence
[Accessed 22 May 2019].