Emotional Intelligence Testing

The Role of Emotional Intelligence Testing in the Workplace

In the highly competitive work environment, we are becoming more and more aware of additional skills and characteristics that are valuable for optimal performance. Attributes that reach further than mere knowledge of the relevant subject matter, or the right academic qualification. One of the hot topics currently is that of emotional intelligence (also referred to as EI, or more commonly known as EQ for emotional quotient) and how it affects the performance of an entire organisation. Testing is becoming increasingly accurate to help us determine the true impact of this, and how to create the ideal combination of employees for the best results.

According to Dr Daniel Goleman, a respected expert on this subject matter, “The interest in emotional intelligence in the workplace stems from the widespread recognition that these abilities – self-awareness, self-management, empathy and social skill – separate the most successful workers and leaders from the average. This is especially true in roles like the professions and higher-level executives, where everyone is about as smart as everyone else, and how people manage themselves and their relationships gives the best an edge.”

It is important to note the four factors that he identifies:

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-management
3. Empathy
4. Social skill

A fifth factor – intrinsic motivation – can also be added to this and is often included in testing methods.

Why Is Emotional Intelligence Testing Important in The Workplace?

There are a number of reasons why emotional intelligence testing is exceptionally valuable for workplace dynamics. Among other factors, it allows you to match the right candidate with the right position, identify potential leaders in your employ, and also to recognise when relevant skills development or even intervention is necessary to improve a work environment and team performance. In fact, developing EI in your office can be linked to these two benefits:

1. A higher EI has a clear link to improved performance in the workplace.
2. Both those who possess a developed EI and those who are managed by leaders with a high EI seem to display a significantly higher level of job satisfaction.

How to Improve Emotional Intelligence at Work

It is possible to improve the level of EI at work. However, it is also important to note that this is not a simple, once-off activity, but rather a commitment to continuous development and support. Testing or staff assessments are required to help you identify where development is necessary. The process can be divided into five phases:

1. Staff assessments
2. Identifying goals
3. Skills training
4. Support and encouragement to apply these new skills
5. Evaluating change

So, How Does the Emotional Intelligence Testing of Staff Work?

There are several methods available to test the EI of your team. Many of these focus on different aspects and scenarios. In order to get an accurate assessment, as well as a professional interpretation of the results, it is vital to work with an experienced professional in this field.

Orgro is a team of industrial psychologists, coaches, business experts, and facilitators who specialise in the field of organisational development to help companies achieve optimal performance levels. Talk to us about emotional intelligence testing and various other assessments that can help your team excel.