The last two years especially have underlined the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence among business leaders. Without empathy, respect and understanding, navigating the pandemic, remote work and the return to the office could become a minefield of resentment, hurt feelings and negativity.

Emotional quotient (EQ) is a measure of a person’s ability to manage, identify and express emotions in a constructive way, what’s called emotional intelligence, and having a higher EQ has tangible workplace benefits. Studies have shown that companies that prioritize EQ are more efficient, productive, profitable and even less prone to on-the-job injuries. Another study found that 70% of the time, companies lose clients for EQ-related reasons. A 2020 survey of entrepreneurs found that more than 95% believe EQ is more important than IQ, when it comes to leadership.

Here are a few tactics for improving your emotional intelligence.

1. Work on your self-awareness. People with high EQs are in touch with their own emotions. They can look at their strengths and weaknesses objectively and understand their motivations. Consider keeping a diary – perhaps tracking your moods each day – to give you a sense of patterns and emotional triggers. Yoga, meditation or even daily walks offer another opportunity for quiet reflection.

2. Listen to feedback. When someone critiques you, it’s natural to get defensive or even dismissive – “haters gonna hate” is part of the vernacular for a reason, after all. Instead of letting constructive criticism raise your hackles, however, take a breath and pause before responding. Be gracious and ask questions to make sure you’re getting the full picture. Take some time to evaluate the feedback and determine whether there’s any merit to what the person is saying.

3. Cultivate empathy. Being able to relate to your co-workers and clients on a human level is fundamental to success. When conflicts arise, try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes to help gain perspective and understanding. Be open to conversations beyond work-related topics to help deepen your professional relationships. And stay curious when you meet new people.

95%
of entrepreneurs believe EQ is more important than IQ, when it comes to leadership.

(M13/FounderForward)

4. Become an active listener. Active listening, where you seek to respond and understand someone rather than passively receive information, is essential for defusing tense situations and solving problems. Rather than just waiting for their turn to speak, active listeners are attentive, asking open-ended questions, requesting clarification when necessary, observing nonverbal cues and summarizing what’s been said to ensure they’ve understood.

5. Be a clear communicator. If you’re a manager, it’s essential to be able to explain expectations and goals in a way that all your employees understand. Being vague or wishy-washy doesn’t inspire confidence and could even breed resentment. Keep emails short and to the point, and reread before sending to make sure everything makes sense and there are no typos. In person, talk slowly and enunciate. Think about what you want to convey before speaking.

6. Stay positive. Even when things get stressful, it’s important to find the bright side. Stay calm and upbeat under pressure. Panic can be contagious, but so can positivity. Thank-you emails, encouraging words and kind gestures go a long way to building loyalty among your team.