Emotional Intelligence is a Key Ingredient for Building a Culture of Respect

Dushaw Hockett

Culture of Respect (formerly BE4ALL, Belonging and Excellence for All) launched in December 2021. It is a joint endeavor of SMACNA, SMART and ITI. The initiative envisions a diverse, inclusive and unionized sheet metal industry that is welcoming and that fosters a culture of respect for all.  For this vision to be a reality, it is important that SMACNA members lead with emotional intelligence.  

Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage your own emotions and to understand the emotions of those around you. Leaders with strong emotional intelligence are able to create an environment of trust and respect within their workplace.

Daniel Goleman, co-director of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations at Rutgers University, says that there are four components to emotional intelligence:
    1. Self-awareness
    2. Self-management
    3. Social awareness
    4. Relationship management

Goleman tells us that being emotionally intelligent isn’t just about being nice to others. A leader can be known as a nice person, but at the same time be conflict-averse or create a toxic work environment if they do not effectively manage and understand their own emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is something that can be cultivated — you aren’t born with it. And so, how do we recognize emotional intelligence, and build it for ourselves? Svetlana Whitener of Forbes shares some of the signs of someone with strong emotional intelligence:

• Be able to shift from making assumptions to engaging your curiosity.
• Identify your feelings.
• Ask for help, knowing that it leads to wisdom 
• and empowerment, and not weakness.
• Remain calm in challenging situations.
• Be able to learn from your mistakes and 
• accept criticism.
• Actively listen to others, identify their feelings and empathize with them.

To boost your own emotional intelligence, the Forbes Business Council suggests:
    1. Be actively aware of your emotions.
    2. Learn how to recognize and understand emotions in others.
    3. Be comfortable with your own emotions.
    4. Use communication skills to connect with others.

To do this effectively, be mindful of your emotions and where they come from. Pay attention to the emotions of those around you.
Model a positive emotional state at work, and demonstrate that you sincerely care about your employees. When you notice that someone is feeling down, ask them how they are and listen to understand — not to react. 

For more information on this initiative and for Culture of Respect Toolbox Talks, visit www.smacna.org.