The emotional intelligence in the service of the management

Studies on positive psychology and happiness at work are currently booming. These studies are flourishing, highlighting the many positive side-effects of "positive" emotions on health, longevity, performance and socially adapted behavior. So, after a predominance of stress reduction and conflict management training, companies are now getting into the swing of things, with the emergence of well-being and happiness training. Coaches are being called in to help managers become "happiness promoters" for their teams.

This emphasis on positive emotions raises the question of the place of so-called "negative" emotions in the workplace. Negative emotions get much less press. These emotions are mostly seen in a negative light. Anger in the face of conflict, fear in the stomach when faced with a new project, or sadness in the face of change are not valued. And yet, in a logic of adaptation, every emotion has a value. Every emotion contains a message. Decoding this message enables us to better adjust to the situation and the demands of our environment. Thus, every emotion, whether pleasant or unpleasant, has potentially positive effects. In some situations, for example, anger can be a support for performance. In other situations, joy may be more appropriate.

This article proposes the idea that every emotion has its place in our lives in general, and at work in particular. An intelligently channeled emotion supports our performance and well-being. Unpleasant emotions don't have to be evacuated: in terms of adaptation, unpleasant emotions are just as important as pleasant ones. It's up to us to learn how to manage them and channel their positive effects.

The aim of this article is to provide food for thought and practical tools for managers wishing to enhance their performance and well-being by intelligently managing their emotions. Intelligent emotional management is what makes the difference!

So let's start by defining emotion. Next, let's take a closer look at emotional intelligence and the different models that coexist today. Finally, let's take a closer look at the four emotional competencies for managers.