The Emotionally Intelligent HR Professional
Updated: Oct 25, 2021
Written by: Cindy Saunders, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
So, what is emotional intelligence, and why do HR Professionals need it?
In the world of Human Resources, there is a constant flow of challenging dynamics.
HR must consider a broad scope of demands extending from the shop floor to the Executive Suite. Depending on the structure of the organization, the subject matter can be expansive.
At all times, HR's proverbial plate is overflowing.
Then, add the global pandemic.
This CNBC article describes the way the pandemic has impacted HR:
"Since March 2020, armies of HR workers have been key to helping companies shift to remote work. They've had to lay off tens of millions of workers, then hire them back during a global health crisis. They've conducted survey after survey, drafted every type of business update, and filtered down messages from the top, frequently bearing the brunt of negative feedback from employees."
𝟵𝟴% of HR decision-makers say the pandemic has transformed their role.
𝟳𝟬% say it has been the most challenging years of their career.
The pandemic has changed the landscape of our workforce. As leaders in caring for people at work, HR professionals need more resources than ever before to perform their job and address their own self-care needs.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the edge that organizations are recognizing as the strategic paradigm to business. Human Resources can lead their companies by learning how to strengthen themselves and the organization with understanding more about EI.
Cornerstones of Emotional Intelligence
Perceiving
Also known as self-awareness, perceiving is the foundation of emotional intelligence. Understanding what you are experiencing allows you to understand those around you. Instead of being overcome with pressure, EI supports you with awareness. You're able to extract emotional data from that awareness. What seemed muddy becomes clear.
Managing
Once you understand what is occurring underneath the emotional reactions you experience, you can manage situations more easily. Then, building on your strength from perceiving, you can redirect emotions appropriately.
Making Decisions
The day is often speeding by, with pressure building; you still need to make many important decisions. Hiring, discipline, creating or adjusting policies, performance management, training, benefits, etc. The list is long and having a clear head free from bias and judgment ensures your decisions are sound. With EI supporting you, impulsive decisions become something in the past.
Achieving
Sustaining motivation is very much centered around our emotions and energy. When you have the EI "edge," you don't spend so much time worrying about failing. Your capacity to manage situations and take more control leaves you energized instead of drained. As a result, you can increase and maintain a higher level of achievement.
Influence
The ability to recognize, manage and raise emotion is crucial in the role of an HR professional. The volume of people, policies, and interactions within your position is high. The greater your level of influence, the easier your job becomes. EI gives you the skill to increase your impact.
For Human Resource Professionals worldwide, staying updated on the latest HR trends have never been more critical. Emotional Intelligence is the new paradigm for business success.
If you are interested in how to increase your Emotional Intelligence, reach out today!
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Cindy Saunders, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Cindy Saunders is a Leadership Coach and HR Professional with over twenty years of experience working in manufacturing, mining, finance, and staffing industries. She is the founder of Leaders Rise, a Leadership Coaching company. Her leadership and coaching style is characterized by her drive to develop informed and engaged work environments through leadership coaching. She combines Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Styles, and Leadership Principles in her Coaching and Leadership Development Programs. Cindy considers strong and authentic leadership throughout an organization as an essential key to success. Cindy is a published author, holds designations as Global Professional Human Resources (GPHR), Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Strategic Human Resources Business Partner (SHRBP), and is certified as an Executive Coach with the World Coach Institute (WCI).
