Emotional Intelligencepsychology

One evening at work I was assigned to the task of overhead crane lift with a co-worker. At my work it is required that at least two qualified workers perform any lifting using the overhead crane. The co-worker I was working with was in his early twenties and had been with the company for just over a year. He had some experience with the crane but was still considered a learner. We’ll call him Fred (it’s not his real name) for the sake of giving him a name. Now back to our story. Fred and I were tasked with lifting four heaters up to a platform. Our supervisor was on hand as was few other co-workers assisting on the floor. After the lifts were performed it was brought to our attention that the supervisor had noticed that the crane had been operated in a way that was against his unwritten rules. Fred who had operated the crane said that he didn’t recall using it in such manner. I hadn’t noticed the particular incident but I was willing to give my supervisor the benefit of the doubt. Fred was not though. He insisted he did not do again. My boss then repeatedly and warned him that if he insisted on pushing the issue his qualification to use the crane would be removed. Fred (even against the subtle hints of a few of us around him to drop the subject) still insisted that he had done no wrong and wasn’t going to drop the issue. After which our supervisor who was clearly irate said that he was no longer to do any more crane lifts and he walked away. Fred still insisted he was right and after which he tore up his qualification card. Was this a isolated act of irrational behavior? No. Fred had a history of what many would consider immature behavior. Often over-reacting to the slightest infraction. One could probably write a book on the analysis on this individual alone. I do believe this is an example of low emotional intelligence though.

What is Emotional Intelligence? It is a difficult thing to define. It’s not something I believe can be measured on a scholastic type of test like an IQ or aptitude test. Emotional Intelligence can be considered things like understanding ones emotions, having empathy for others and the ability to control ones emotions. This type of intelligence often relates to how one connects and understands people’s emotions. Also to be aware of and manage ones own emotions some of the key aspects of Emotional Intelligence
are:

Self-Awareness: This is the ability to understand ones emotions, moods, and impact that you have on others as they occur. This is considered the key ingredient of emotionally intelligent people. For example if your aware that a certain situation will make you upset you can take action (or not) to deal with the situation and make a more rational decision.

I do think this one is a tough one to recognize. How does one become more aware of your own emotions as they are happening? I’d have to admit that I don’t always think of this one.

Self-Regulation (or Self-Management): This is the ability to manage strong emotions. This enables an individual to be able to control impulsiveness, anxiety and anger to be able to make a rational decision. Self regulation would help someone not to fly off the handle and make an impulsive decision which could hurt them in the future.

Of course I perceive myself as somewhat good at this I do have my weak moments. At times my wife tells me I sound upset when I’m disturbed in the middle of a task or caught unaware. Not sure if it’s a defensive reflex or something. Most of the time I’m not overly emotional or dramatic about things. I tend to take things in stride as the saying goes.

Motivation: This is finding the passion or drive for work in addition to money and status. I often find the motivation for working just for the money itself not enough at times. Helping to find a motivation that’s beyond money and status I believe is a key component to Emotional Intelligence. To find a deeper perhaps more personal reasons for motivation I believe leads to more personal satisfaction and a more productive and quality conscious worker.

I have a friend who is a carpenter who is very good at what he does. He seems to have not only to get the job done. He is also very quality orientated. He also seems to be thinking of how he can improve a task, tool or a way just to do it quicker. It seems like his mind never stops thinking. He’s worked through breaks many times just because he’s so focused on what he’s doing. All this time he enjoys what he’s doing. Sure he’s paid well but it’s more than just for that. I sense it’s something much more. I’ve often watched in wonder and admiration. Not everyone can find work that they actually like doing but he does.

Empathy: This could also be called Social Awareness. This is being aware of other people’s emotions. Those who act with empathy and compassion tend to be in tune with social signals. This is important with interaction in the workplace as one has to deal with the emotional responses both verbal and nonverbal. I believe a key to this one is to not only listen to people but to also do your best to understand them.

I’ve been told by other’s that I’m a good listener but am I really? I do tend to be on the quiet side and reserved and I seem to be a magnet for other people to talk or rant. I actually don’t mind if they do. I do have a close friend who I talk to both on the job and outside work. Sometimes we’ll talk about stuff we have in common like family, computers or just vent out our frustrations. Actually he probably does most of the talking though when I do chime in I do feel he listens and understands most of the time. He’s a good friend which is a rare find.

Social Skill: This is about building and managing positive relationships with people. This also I believe would be considered Relationship Management which would include such skills such as listening, resolving conflicts, and encouraging cooperation.

Though I may have the listening skills, social skills I may be a little weak on. I tend not to initiate relationships or social encounters. So this may be my own weak point admittedly. I also avoid conflicts never mind resolving them.

Emotional Intelligence is most often learned in early childhood though people can later learn with education and training to overcome this. To have hard skills (talent or skill) alone is not enough to succeed in the workplace. The key to success is the balance between hard skills and soft skills (such as Emotional Intelligence).

You may be wondering whatever happened to our poor Fred from the beginning. Unfortunately he did not last. Though his tearing up his cards and his insistence that he was right did not have immediate consequence (other that losing his qualification). About a week later he was caught up in another incident that it became known to higher management that he tore up his cards. Though it wasn’t the only thing he got in trouble for it was another nail in his coffin. Unfortunately he is now looking for other employment.

Bibliography

DuBrin, A.(2004),Applying Psychology:Pearson Education Inc.

Downing,S.(2008), On Course:Houghton Mifflin Company