A study conducted by Michelle McQuaid and published in Business Wire found that of 1,000 Americans surveyed, just 36% were happy at their job and a whopping 65% would choose a new boss over a pay raise.

McQuaid, a leader in positive psychology workplace interventions, says that the current situation in American workplaces not only takes a substantial personal toll on employees, but it costs $360 billon yearly in lost productivity.

Of the 1,000 Americans polled,

• 60% said they would do a better job if they had a better relationship with their boss
• 47% say their boss does not stay calm and in control
• 31% feel uninspired and unappreciated by their boss
• 20% say their boss has little or no integrity
• 73% of those in their 20s and 30s and 40% of those over 50 said their health is compromised because of the impact of a bad boss

Social and emotional intelligence is defined by the Institute for Social + Emotional Intelligence as the ability to be aware of our own emotions and those of others, in the moment, and to use that information to manage ourselves and manage our relationships.

When it comes to intelligence, the IQ part (cognitive intelligence) is only the tip of the iceberg. Social and emotional intelligence (S+EI) is not just about being a nice person.

Emotional intelligence is about personal power – an inner confidence that an individual has that she can handle whatever curveballs life throws her way.  It’s about an inner self-confidence and positive self-regard, appropriate assertiveness, and integrity.

Social intelligence is about building trust and forming bonds. Social intelligence is about connecting to people and understanding them to build stronger relationships.

Many organizations often overlook the value of social intelligence.  And, employees sometimes don’t realize the difference social intelligence can make in career advancement.

It’s not difficult to see that the powerful impact social and emotional intelligence can have in the workplace.  The key to integrating social and emotional intelligence in the workplace involves an assessment (which generates awareness), training programs, introducing the concept into the culture, and individual development programs (coaching).

Social and emotional intelligence is key to the success of an organization.  As important is S+EI is for an organization, it’s equally important to individual well-being.  Whereas social intelligence encourages the individual to be aware of their environment and the needs of others, emotional intelligence asks the individual to examine their own behavior to implement the best choices.

Social and emotional intelligence is not about changing personality – it’s about changing behavior – because behavior is a choice.  Social and emotional intelligence coaching encourages individuals to examine their behavior and make different choices.

Psychologists tell us that personality is formed by the time a child reaches 6 or 7.  Over the course of the individual’s lifetime, personality remains mostly unchanged.  Behavior is influenced by both environment and personality.

When we build social and emotional intelligence in the workplace, we create stronger leadership and ultimately, a more productive, rewarding, resilient environment.

Colleen

Colleen Slaughter, Proud Executive Coach to the UN World Food Program, the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

As an Executive Coach for Women in Leadership and Transformational Facilitator, my intention is to help leaders in positions of high influence to understand their worth at a profound level.

Supporting women leaders to truly thrive and step into their greatness, while succeeding in male-dominated industries and spaces is my native genius.

My technique and approach show you how to achieve incredible career success without compromising any part of who you are and what makes you magnificent.