How important is emotional intelligence for executive assistants and their employers? Very. When an executive assistant (EA) is emotionally intelligent, they can reliably “read the room”, handle sensitive information and make decisions in the executive’s best interests. This reliability helps form a deep trust, which makes the EA an indispensable partner.
Learn what emotional intelligence (EI) is, why it’s essential, and its role between an executive assistant and their employer. For more than 20 years, C-Suite Assistants has offered exceptional Executive Assistant Recruiting for senior executives in businesses across all industries. Our highly skilled and vetted professional network makes us the perfect match for successful executive assistant partnerships.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence for executive assistants is not the same thing as emotional maturity. To be emotionally mature means that a person can handle their own emotions and respond evenly to emotional situations, whereas emotional intelligence indicates that they can also recognize and understand the feelings of others.
Why is emotional intelligence important? In a fast-paced office environment, especially if an executive assistant is working for the CEO or another top executive, there may be situations that are “highly charged” emotionally. The company will likely have much at stake that hinges on the executive, which can be tremendously stressful for the leader and their close assistant. Emotional intelligence means the EA can remain professional, even in highly stressful environments.
It also means they can navigate any emotional response of the executive they work with. Not only can they handle strong emotions, but they also know how to interact with and diffuse them. An emotionally intelligent EA provides “ballast” for their executive in stressful times and situations. In this way, they can influence other people’s emotions through their actions. Emotional intelligence leadership involves handling interpersonal relationships judiciously and with empathy and is essential for professional and personal success.
Because of their position an Executive Assistant with high emotional intelligence and solid relationships within the organization may also provide their executive with insights from the rest of the organization. Because they interact with different levels of the organization, this allows them to gain insights a CEO might not otherwise be able to obtain. Employees and other executives might also be more comfortable sharing key concerns with the EA, allowing the EA to share viewpoints an executive has not considered.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
What is emotional intelligence in the workplace? EI plays a substantial role in the workplace. It enhances the work environment, affects job performance, and helps build effective teams. In the executive/assistant relationship, EI affects leadership ability, the sense of teamwork, individual productivity, and the overall work environment.
Emotional intelligence enables people to pick up on non-verbal clues and react appropriately. It also helps create a happier, more productive workplace and can improve time management while reducing stress.
How does emotional intelligence affect leadership? Business leaders with high emotional intelligence can be in touch with their own emotions, leading to more rational and better-informed decisions. This ability also lets them understand team members’ emotions so they can anticipate and consider others’ needs and perspectives when making important decisions.
Developing Emotional Intelligence as a Leader
How can an executive build emotional intelligence? Employers can analyze, develop, and strengthen their emotional intelligence through self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. These are the four core competencies of emotional intelligence. Key actions include listening closely to others and connecting with employees personally.
Other steps to develop EI include unlocking individuals’ motivations and trying to understand more about how others think and act, as well as yourself.
How do you know if someone operates with high or low emotional intelligence? EI is about managing emotions to achieve one’s goals. Those with high emotional intelligence are empathetic, self-aware, and highly skilled at regulating emotions. People who have low EI may find it difficult to empathize with others. They might also struggle with self-regulation and have poor social skills.
Find An Executive Assistant With a High Level of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence in an executive assistant partnership boosts the chances of business success through understanding and empathy of emotions and motivations. Now that you know how to improve your emotional intelligence, you need to find an assistant who will possess those same skills! Only then can you have a productive and satisfying partnership.
C-Suite Assistants can help. We have more than two decades of experience and a highly-vetted database of professional assistants with the skills needed to succeed as a valued team member in your organization. We assess candidates for hard skills like technical expertise and soft skills like dedication, effective communication, and emotional intelligence.
Form a lasting partnership with your new executive assistant. Contact C-Suite Assistants today and let us assist you in recruiting top talent for your team.
