Written by CultureCon Guest Blogger Roberta Moore, CEO and Founder of The EQ-i Coach
None of us could have anticipated the dramatic changes that COVID-19 created, as it completely disrupted the workplace. Workforces had to transition to operating remotely and leaders had to step up to ensure stability was maintained—all while following new health guidelines. It seems now more than ever, our society is plagued with anxiety, frustration, and mental fatigue. That is why equipping ourselves with emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important than ever, on a personal and professional level.
How can we achieve a thriving work culture at this time of high stress and uncertainty? It begins with leaders paying attention to the evolving needs of their employees, and showing empathy and compassion. When we support each other, we create a positive work environment equipped with the tools needed for success. Those tools include not letting ourselves, and each other, crumble under stress. In fact, research shows that seeing stress in a positive light is actually beneficial for our growth.
Stress and positivity; it doesn’t seem like they could ever go hand in hand. However, I suggest that we start to pivot our viewpoint from seeing stress as inherently negative, to viewing it as something that can help us grow. Viewing stressful situations as exciting challenges to overcome, instead of ones that debilitate us has the potential to transform your personal and professional life.
We are all encountering stressful situations on a daily basis as our routines have changed. Yet, many of these changes are out of our control. Let us focus on what is within our control. I suggest making a list of what you can and can’t control in your life to redirect your efforts towards making positive changes, instead of feeling overwhelmed by what we have no say over. Overcoming stressful situations is all about our attitude.
Additionally, helping others and showing we care can help us overcome our own daily obstacles. As the workplace environment is still subject to change over these next few months, it is important we don’t forget to support each other through these unprecedented times and listen to one another’s needs. As an EQ coach, I see and recognize that easing surmounting negativity and emotional fragility starts by establishing safe and supportive environments. Improved performance, productivity, increased communication and collaboration can still be achieved, even during times of great uncertainty.
Our world is in a volatile state where compassion and inclusion need to be prioritized during stressful situations. With everything that’s going on, now is a great time to self-reflect and practice empathy towards yourself and others. Are you doing what you can to overcome obstacles? Are you helping others in your life that need support and guidance? By reflecting on our own personal challenges, we can begin to help those around us and create more empathetic workplaces and communities that support all members in difficult times such as these and beyond.
About the author:
Roberta Moore, founder of EQ-i Coach and author of Emotion at Work: Unleashing the Secret Power of Emotional Intelligence, utilizes her extensive background as an accomplished business executive and licensed therapist to help executives, business teams, and sales teams become more professionally and personally fulfilled. A 2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Award winner, Moore’s work has appeared in publications ranging from Forbes to St. Louis Small Business Monthly. She is also a sought-after speaker on topics of emotional intelligence at events across the country, including the 2020 Society of Psychologists in Management Conference. For more information, please visit https://www.eqicoach.com/.