Main menu
As a remote team manager, you probably know that the role entails much more than just ensuring projects and tasks are done. Managing people is always challenging, but remote work adds a new level of difficulty. The flexibility of remote work could be a bonus, but there is a void in informal workplace interaction.
Handling this situation is more difficult for managers than for employees. This is where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in—helping managers rise to the occasion and effectively manage remote teams. It's a crucial skill for anyone in leadership positions.
Almost 75% of recruiting managers surveyed felt that an employee's emotional intelligence (EQ) is more essential than their intellectual intelligence (IQ).
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about managing people and the overall organisation culture. True leaders have a certain charm and a set of skills that allow them to regulate their emotions and understand others’ feelings. This also helps them gain insight into the general mood of their organisation. EQ has emerged as the virtual leadership superpower in the post-COVID era.
Psychology professors John D. Mayer and Peter Salovey first used the term "emotional intelligence" in 1990. They defined it as “the ability to monitor one's own and others' emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use the information to guide one's thinking and actions.” EQ has long been a key element in leadership handbooks. Daniel Goleman, the psychologist who popularised the concept, said, “The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: They all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence.”
Although IQ and technical expertise are valuable, EQ is now the benchmark for leadership. It turned into a highly valued performance measure among employers.
TalentSmart states that individuals with ordinary IQ but higher EQ frequently perform better than those with superior IQ but lower EQ.
The Four Categories of Emotional Intelligence
EQ is broken down into four distinct categories:
- Self-Awareness: This is your consciousness of your strengths and weaknesses and understanding how they affect your and your team’s performance.
- Self-Management: It’s your ability to manage your emotions in stressful situations. An emotionally intelligent leader can maintain a positive outlook instead of reacting impulsively in tough circumstances.
- Social Awareness: This is simply your ability to understand the emotions of others. A leader with this skill can grasp their team members’ feelings and the larger dynamics at play in the workplace.
- Relationship Management: This involves your ability to coach, guide, and influence others. It also includes conflict resolution skills.
Why Should Leadership Styles Evolve for Remote Work?
Remote work and dispersed teams bring about new challenges. Managers often feel the need to double down on their efforts to keep the team aligned and in sync.
Remote work scenarios raise new concerns, starting with physical barriers. Surveys reveal that remote workers frequently feel disconnected from their organisation and colleagues, reducing productivity. We've already established that it takes caring for both yourself and others to be a mindful, emotionally intelligent leader. A compassionate leader can cultivate a healthy team with strong relationships.
In fact, 90% of employees would rather work for an organisation with compassionate leaders. So, EQ isn’t just a nice-to-have skill; it’s essential for employee retention.
Naturally, employees feel more appreciated and supported when managers exhibit high EQ. It stands to reason that emotionally intelligent managers are better at building strong bonds with their teams.
Employees and managers alike have a lot to gain by embracing emotional intelligence. A manager can absolutely develop emotional intelligence. Training programs and leadership development initiatives usually stress the significance of EQ in effective leadership.
Strategies for Leading a Remote Team with Emotional Intelligence
1. Managing Conversations
A leader must actively listen to their team members and observe their body language, tone of voice, and words. Listening shows that you value their thoughts and feelings. It also encourages employees to voice their concerns, which, when addressed, can significantly boost workplace productivity.
2. Responding with Grace
Reacting is often an impulsive emotional outpouring. You're not a child but a manager. Take a moment to think things through. Responding with thoughtful words shows elegance. It’s a conscious effort that considers both the speaker and the listener. It helps you set a good example for your team.
3. Broadening Your Perspective
Develop empathy by understanding different viewpoints. Put yourself in someone else's shoes and see things from their perspective. This deepens your empathy and compassion by enabling you to better understand their thoughts and feelings. You can strengthen your connections by welcoming different perspectives.
4. Taking Responsibility and Apologising When Necessary
Acknowledge your mistakes and move on. Take responsibility for your actions and extend a heartfelt apology to everyone you may have offended or hurt. A straight apology helps rebuild relationships by displaying humility and respect.
5. Practising Active Listening and Engagement
Listen carefully when others are speaking, and give them your full attention. Stay engaged by avoiding distractions and focusing on what’s being said. This is courteous and indicates that you appreciate what others have to say. Active listening fosters understanding and effective communication within the organisation.
6. Building Relationships Through Openness
Openness is not a weakness. Communicate openly and honestly with others. Share your genuine thoughts and feelings and allow others to see your authentic self. This builds deeper connections and encourages others to be open as well. Embracing openness promotes trust and establishes a safe space for meaningful relationships.
7. Cultivating Empathy by Reflecting on Your Emotions
Understand and reflect on your emotions. Understand the reasons behind your emotions and how they influence your actions and thoughts. Being self-aware improves your ability to empathise with others, so you can connect better with their experiences and emotions. Empathy allows for deeper communication and more meaningful interactions.
8. Promoting Positivity and Creating a Supportive Environment
Encourage a positive mindset to create a supportive environment. Smile, offer encouragement, and express gratitude. You can inspire others and foster a nurturing environment by spreading positivity. It is a motivating environment where everyone feels appreciated and more productive.
9. Asking Questions Instead of Giving Orders
Shift from issuing commands to asking questions when communicating with others. This approach facilitates a respectful, collaborative dialogue and the exchange of diverse perspectives. You can promote active participation and show respect for other people's viewpoints just by posing questions, which facilitates open communication and builds mutual respect.
10. Acknowledging and Appreciating Achievements
Nothing is more motivating than acknowledgement. Acknowledge others' accomplishments, thank them for their efforts, and express your gratitude. This inspires and motivates others to aim high. Acknowledging accomplishments stimulates a helpful and upbeat atmosphere. In turn, your team members will be encouraged to do their best.
In Conclusion:
True leadership is centred on emotional intelligence, which is more than just a quality. Organisations led by emotionally intelligent leaders are the most successful. It is the best tool available to remote managers for effectively managing their teams in these trying times.
Emotionally intelligent leaders improve communication in the workplace. They understand the emotional impact of their words on others and can create a positive work environment that motivates and encourages employee engagement. As a result, employees feel more satisfied, and turnover rates fall. You can become more emotionally intelligent and make better decisions. This, in turn, positively impacts the overall success of the organisation while your team feels supported and empowered, encouraging them to share ideas and thoughts openly.
