Communication
Emotional intelligence (EI) is one’s ability to effectively and correctly perceive, manage, and regulate emotions, and to use that information to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously. EI is embedded in culture, and according to Mohammed (2018), culture affects people’s perception of what constitutes intelligence behavior. The capacity to properly regulate and utilize emotions may be universally crucial across all cultures; however, what constitutes “appropriate” will depend on the beliefs and values of people.
For example, Americans are naturally assertive and liberal individuals and, therefore, expressing emotions such as crying in public is considered to be within the “appropriate” spectrum. However, in some African communities, the act mentioned above is deemed as unintelligent behavior. As Ricardo Fernandez indicates, being aware of and respecting such cultural differences is the key to effective intercultural communication. EI individuals are assertive and can communicate and articulate their ideas and intentions whilst being sensitive to individual and cultural differences.
Team Building
EI is closely associated with social skills which are critical for team cohesion. Social skills refer to the adeptness of a person to invoke desirable responses in others. Proficiencies such as collaboration, conflict management, communication, and active listening are all essential in team building. EI leaders can leverage their strengths and that of their teams to create group synergy for pursuing organizational goals (Mohammed, 2018). The ability to perceive emotions can also help a manager to know how to be supportive of their workforce without being intrusive. Additionally, through EI, individual team members can develop efficient coping strategies and be less prone to destructive behaviors.
Relationship Building
Relationship building, according to Ricardo Fernandez, can be achieved through physical interactions. Emotional intelligence can help facilitate effective and quality social interactions. EI people can nurture relationships, build bonds, and fulfill personal relationships. The development of satisfying and reciprocal relationships requires relationship management, self-management, social awareness, and self-awareness skills (Mohammed, 2018). EI can provide a framework for efficient cooperation, respect, and sensitivity of cultures, which consequently promotes autonomy, independence, and inclusion.
Reference
Mohammed, I. (2018). Change leadership: The role of emotional intelligence. SAGE Open, 8(3), 215824401880091. Web.