Twentieth International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the capacity for recognizing our feelings and those of others, understanding emotions and emotional knowledge, and regulating emotions in self and others. One study showed that 95% of people think they are self-aware. However, only 10-15% are (Eurich, 2018). In a separate survey of 467 adults, 99% reported working with at least one person who was “unaware” – meaning having no insight into how they are perceived by others (Eurich, 2018). Among the “unaware” 32% were a boss or supervisor. Unaware colleagues can cut a team’s chances of success in half, increase stress levels, and decrease motivation in the workplace. Organizational culture is key to the successful execution of strategic plans, implementing organizational change, and to maintain competitiveness in the marketplace (Harter, 2019). Emotional intelligent leaders can illuminate the workplace culture by enabling understanding and better communication to support the needs of a learning organization. Leaders’ self-awareness, enlightenment, and engagement increase credibility and motivation resulting in the ability to influence, motivate, and positively affect organization members. This presentation offers techniques for experienced and emerging leaders to increase emotional intelligence to understand self, manage emotions, and how to demonstrate empathy and understanding to others. The session reviews best practices and modes of learning to develop a culture of positivity and inclusive practices. Interactive activities include scenarios and simulated discussions of how to redirect conversations to show empathy and connection to listeners while helping individuals to move forward with needed objectives, assignments, and tasks in the workplace.