Dive Brief:
- Students who begin developing emotional intelligence in school can move into the workforce with a measurable advantage, according to a new white paper by Chanell Russell, a research fellow with the University of Phoenix’s Center for Organizational Wellness, Engagement and Belonging.
- The research found that while employers still value technical knowledge and credentials, “graduates who can communicate clearly, adapt to change, collaborate effectively, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics” may have a competitive edge.
- Emotional intelligence can shape how a person responds to feedback as well as how they manage pressure, resolve conflict and build relationships, per the white paper. In addition, students who strengthen their emotional intelligence “are better prepared to handle ambiguity, adjust to organizational expectations, and engage productively within diverse teams.”
Dive Insight:
As economic anxiety and concerns about artificial intelligence continue to surface in the workplace, employees are no longer separating emotions from work, according to a 2024 resource released by global HR consulting firm McLean & Co.
Notably, creating a psychologically safe workplace can lead to higher motivation, happiness and retention, according to another report, also released in 2024, from Boston Consulting Group.
Consequently, emotional intelligence can be as critical to workplace success as many of the more traditional skills employers take into consideration.
“Emotional intelligence is not a ‘soft skill’ — it is a structural leadership capability that influences trust, psychological safety and long-term organizational effectiveness,” Russell said in a news release. “When leaders are equipped to recognize emotional dynamics and respond intentionally, they can reduce preventable strain and create conditions where people are more engaged, resilient and able to perform at their best.”
Russell’s research found that competencies such as strong communication skills and adaptability “are deeply rooted in emotional intelligence and have been shown to influence workplace effectiveness and professional success.”
The paper noted that emotional intelligence supports not only stronger classroom performance, but also long-term career readiness and growth.
People who develop emotional intelligence “build the capacity to regulate stress, persist through difficulty, communicate effectively, and make thoughtful decisions in complex situations,” Russell wrote in the paper. “In this way, EI becomes a foundational skill that supports academic achievement while preparing students for continued growth, professional success, and lifelong learning.”
