The intelligence quotient is out. When hiring, more and more bosses are evaluating the emotional quotient, which includes emotional intelligence. This not only benefits colleagues, employees and the entire team, but also the environment and the profitability of the company.
Published at 12:57 am. Updated at 06:00.
It is difficult to define what exactly emotional intelligence is. It is a mixture of empathy, self-awareness and self-management of one’s own emotions.
“Emotional intelligence is based on the idea of understanding your own emotions and those of others,” says Claude Frasson, a professor at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Montreal, who has been interested in emotional intelligence for twenty years.
For Manon Poirier, director general of the Order of Certified Human Resources Advisors of Quebec (CRHA), it is a way to reach out and understand others. “Emotional intelligence allows us to understand, be aware of, and consider others’ perspectives,” she emphasizes. This is very important because people who work in isolation and without interaction are very rare. »
Invented and conceptualized in 1995 by the American psychologist and science journalist Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence has five pillars, summarizes Mr. Frasson: self-knowledge and awareness, self-regulation of one’s own emotions, motivation, sociability and “empathy.” The latter is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence.
“Empathy is something natural in humans,” says Estelle Morin, professor of management at HEC Montréal, “except for the person we don’t like!” A person with high emotional intelligence is able to manage relationships, even conflictual ones Relationships. She will be able to express herself, assert herself, say no and remain respectful. This is called assertiveness. »
Mobilization and motivation
The impact of a manager with a high EQ value (emotional quotient) is enormous: the climate is healthy, employees feel free to speak authentically, energy is mobilized, motivation increases and productivity is there.
“People are united and social connections are rich because people feel heard and unique,” says Alexandra Larouche, organizational psychologist, lecturer at Laval University and speaker.
Emotional intelligence is human wealth.
Alexandra Larouche, organizational psychologist, lecturer at Laval University and speaker
It illustrates the extent to which emotions play a role in leadership and leadership abilities. “A poorly managed emotion can make even the most intelligent people stupid!” she says.
Management committees, boards of directors and investors are increasingly interested in the level of emotional intelligence within a company. “Yes, of course there is know-how and technical skills,” concludes Claude Frasson, “but more importantly, there are interpersonal skills.” That is the driving force. »
How do we make ?
To improve your emotional intelligence, you must be able to “reduce your blind zone,” believes Ms. Poirier of the Order of CRHA. “It requires humility,” she notes, “and the ability to be open to feedback while remaining accessible.” The psychological environment needs to be safe enough for people to feel comfortable giving real answers. »
In a selection process, certain recognized and validated psychometric tests can give an idea of EQ. It is a tool… that must be reconfirmed in an interview, explains Manon Poirier.
For her part, Estelle Morin suggests some practical exercises, such as keeping a diary.
Self-knowledge includes recognizing your emotions. Specifically, we note situations in which we felt frustrated, disappointed, worried, and surprised. These four feelings tell us a lot about our values, our beliefs and our reactions.
Estelle Morin, Professor of Management at HEC Montréal
She also recommends using an app developed by researchers at Yale University that allows you to take the pulse of your emotional health several times a day. How We Feel is free, does not collect any personal data and is ad-free – but currently only in English.
“50% of the journey is complete when you are able to understand and manage your emotions,” says the professor. You then need to develop your ability to perceive other people’s emotions, learn to control your impulsivity, and increase your optimism. »
A major challenge for 2024… “It is certainly a protective factor for mental health,” concludes Ms. Morin.