• There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
Filters

Prevent Workplace Burnout  by Managing Your Emotional Quotient (EQ)

Did you know that our emotions play an important role in the decisions we make in the workplace? From deciding how we approach tasks to how we respond to comments co-workers and bosses make, everyone taps into their emotional intelligence, which is also called EQ (emotional quotient).

Estimated reading time: 4.5 minutes

Stressed and anxious man needing EQ

A lack of this kind of intelligence can sometimes lead to rash and rushed decisions, especially when we are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. At other times, EQ can allow us to make rational decisions using our emotions effectively, like empathizing with a customer’s perspective.

Symptoms of a Lack of Emotional Quotient and EQ Responses

Here are a few different scenarios where underutilizing our EQs can hurt our decision-making processes and how we can exercise our emotional intelligence to avoid falling into workplace burnout.

Symptom #1: You lack empathy toward your co-workers.

When we are feeling burned out, we tend to disregard the problems and situations our co-workers may be experiencing both at work and at home. They could have a sick child, have just lost a loved one, or be having challenges struggling to balance their career with their family life.

Not showing empathy can lead your co-workers to believe you do not care. This could cause them to feel a sense of resentment or even anger toward you.

EQ Response: The best way to exercise empathy is by putting yourself in the perspective of your co-worker. Even if you do not entirely understand what they are dealing with, you will at least be able to show them you are emotionally responsive and care.

Going a step further, learn the crucial skill of empathy. Empathy builds connection and understanding.

Learn how to empathize today!


Symptom #2: You're not able to keep your emotions under control.

It's easy to let our emotions get the better of us when we are feeling burned out. We might make snap judgments, be moody, make derogatory comments, or blow up at co-workers or even our boss. This creates more stress and causes increased anxiety.

EQ Response: A good way to exercise more EQ in this situation is to learn how to express feelings in a productive and constructive manner. For instance, your boss informs you that the spreadsheet you just submitted is not what they wanted and to redo it. A burnout response would be to snap at your boss or walk off the job because you are fed up. A productive and constructive response would be to ask your boss what exactly he or she would like differently and what information they need to meet their expectations.

Deep Dive: "27 Best Ways to Raise Your Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace."

Employees looking discussing a project

Symptom #3: You avoid conflict and comply even when it's unhealthy for you.

This type of burnout response can cause all sorts of problems and affect our emotional well-being. You disagree with a co-worker or your boss, yet, rather than confront them with your concerns, you go along with whatever they want or avoid interactions altogether.

EQ Response: It is much better to step back for a moment and take a look at the bigger picture. Avoidance when facing a problem can cost you. For instance, you agree and take on more work, work unrealistic hours, or miss time with your children. If this is the case, it's essential to speak up and object. It is perfectly acceptable to disagree as long as you work with the other person on reaching a mutually beneficial solution.

Related reading: "A New Book Reveals What Is Actually Causing Burnout."

Emotions and interpersonal relationships in the workplace are not something you can avoid. Learning how to address them effectively, even when we feel burned out, requires learning how to exercise our Emotional Quotient.

For guidance on learning how to prevent burnout and boost your emotional intelligence, please contact us at support@heartmanity.com.

Like the article? Help us spread the word and share it!

Jennifer A. Williams / Emotional Intelligence CoachJennifer A. Williams / Emotional Intelligence Coach
Jennifer is the Heartmanity founder and an emotional intelligence expert. She has two decades of EQ experience and is the author of emotional intelligence training and courses. As an emotional fitness coach, Jennifer teaches EQ skills, brain science hacks, and a comprehensive approach that gets results. She is happily married and the mother of three incredible grown children.

Posted in Business and Leadership, Emotional Intelligence & Fitness

Free Newsletter!

Featured Online Courses

Online Course - Emotional Fitness for the 21st Century 4 Keys to Unlocking the Power of Empathy