The mark of a successful manager is their ability to handle mood swings in the workplace -  the result some believe of a high level of emotional intelligence and insight.

Many intelligent people do not function effectively at work. These people often feel unappreciated, lack motivation and are unable to think clearly because they find it difficult to control their emotions. Managers with a high level of emotional intelligence have the ability to rectify these situations or prevent them from occurring.

A key factor in emotional intelligence is a person’s ability to control and monitor their own emotions so that their responses are reasonable and appropriate to their circumstances. An effective manager does not leave employees on an emotional tightrope waiting for the next ‘temper flare’. While they are capable of communicating displeasure, they do not react from an emotional standpoint or attack issues on a personal level.

Aside from managing and identifying their own emotions, effective managers often have strong interpersonal skills and are able to recognise the emotional viewpoint of others.

This skill allows them to be extremely effective in resolving conflicts by identifying the real problem behind the issue so that the needs of both parties are met and their concerns validated. It is all about finding a person’s emotional context and stepping into their shoes to see how they view a particular situation.

This ability to empathise is a key factor in the way effective mangers handle people. In understanding the needs of employees, these managers are able to identify what is likely to motivate an employee to excel.

Managers with high emotional intelligence consistently generate support and respect from employees and provide the leadership that results in greater productivity.

While emotional intelligence is concerned with identifying the needs and contexts of others it does not mean the office should be controlled by emotions, nor does it mean that managers should be a slave to the turmoil of employees’ emotional lives.

It does mean that a balance between the rational and emotional mind must be maintained in order to build a team of effective, enthusiastic employees and a productive and supportive work environment.

Recommended reading:
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, published by Bloomsbury