Mention "emotional intelligence" in many workplaces, and you'll see people mentally check out. It feels like another HR initiative or management fad that'll be replaced by next quarter's buzzword. Yet the actual skills—recognizing your reactions and connecting effectively with others—remain essential for workplace success.
The challenge isn't the importance of these abilities; it's how we talk about them. When we use corporate-speak and theoretical frameworks, we lose people before they even start learning. Here are four practical ways to develop these skills on your team while keeping things real:
Instead of asking someone to "develop their emotional intelligence," get specific about what you're seeing. Tell your team member, "I noticed you seemed frustrated during the client call. What was going on for you?" This opens a conversation about self-awareness without making it feel like a psychology lesson. Real-time observations beat theoretical discussions every time.
2. Help People Recognize Their Own Patterns
Rather than lecturing about "managing emotions," guide people to notice what works for them: “When you respond immediately before thinking through your comment, you often sound angry or antagonistic. Have you noticed that about yourself?" This approach makes self-regulation feel like a practical work skill, not an abstract concept.
When addressing interpersonal dynamics, skip the jargon and point out what's happening: "Sarah looked uncomfortable when you interrupted her presentation. Did you catch that?" This teaches empathy through actual observation rather than abstract concepts about "reading the room."
The most effective approach is showing, not telling. When you're stressed, say so: "I'm feeling overwhelmed by this deadline, so I'm going to take 10 minutes to think through our options before we decide." When you make a mistake, own it: "I was impatient in that meeting and cut off your idea. That wasn't fair to you or the team."
Your employees don't need to master the vocabulary of emotional intelligence—they need to master the practice of it. Guide them to notice their own reactions, understand their impact on others, and choose more effective responses. These skills will serve them far better than any acronym ever could.
TTI Success Insights has recently revised and rereleased its emotional intelligence assessment. Feel free to reach out to learn more about how it can be integrated in your corporate learning initiatives.