Artificial intelligence may look like it’s going to take over our lives soon, but there’s one thing it certainly cannot demonstrate: emotions.

An organization is run by people, and no matter how many futuristic tools and techniques it may adopt over time, it is the people managing them that make all the difference.

And, you know it - where there’s people, there’s emotions. A good manager knows how to create and demonstrate a healthy mix of intelligence and emotions.

While technical skills and experience are important for any manager, there is one key trait that can set a great manager apart from a good one: emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to identify, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

So, if you aspire to be a great manager someday, don’t just look at what people deliver on a day-to-day basis. Look at what they feel while doing so.

In this blog, we will explore the role of emotional intelligence in management, and why it is so important for leaders to possess this trait.

1. When you communicate better, others understand better.

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful management. Without clear communication, expectations can be unclear, projects can fall behind schedule, and employees can become demotivated.

Managers with high emotional intelligence have a better ability to communicate with their team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This can lead to improved collaboration, better problem-solving, and a more positive work environment.

2. You’re able to make decisions that are in everyone’s best interest.

Emotional intelligence can also lead to better decision-making. When you’re in tune with your own emotions and those of your team, you are better able to make decisions that are in the best interest of everyone involved.

As a manager with a high emotional quotient, you’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of different options, and take into account the feelings and needs of those affected by the decision. This will lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships with your team members.

3. You are more empathetic towards others in your team.

Empathy is a key component of emotional intelligence, and it plays a critical role in effective management. When a manager is able to put themselves in the shoes of their team members, they are better able to understand their needs and concerns.

This can lead to improved morale, as employees feel that their manager cares about them as individuals. In turn, this can lead to improved productivity, as employees are more motivated to work hard for someone they feel connected to.

4. You are better at resolving conflicts and building stronger relationships.

Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace, but it's how that conflict is managed that can make all the difference. As a manager with high emotional intelligence, you’ll be better equipped to handle conflicts in a way that is fair and respectful to all parties involved.

You will also be able to remain calm and objective, and can help find solutions that work for everyone. This can lead to stronger relationships with team members, and can help create a more positive work environment.

5. You have a knack for bringing out the best in people and leading them to success.

Finally, emotional intelligence can lead to improved leadership. A manager with high emotional intelligence is able to inspire and motivate their team members, creating a sense of shared purpose and a commitment to achieving common goals. They are able to build trust and respect with their team, which can lead to improved performance and a stronger bottom line.

There is no doubt that EQ is as significant as IQ. Managers who possess high emotional intelligence are better able to communicate with their team members, make better decisions, show empathy, resolve conflicts, and provide effective leadership.

Aspire to become a manager that leads people to success in an organization? A pioneer of management courses in Pune and Hyderabad with a legacy of four decades, NICMAR offers comprehensive management programs that provide students with a strong foundation in management principles and practical skills necessary to excel in the field.