10 Signs of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace + Tips for Growth

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role in how we handle our emotions, interact with others, and make decisions. It’s a valuable skill in the workplace, influencing everything from relationships to leadership. Using Daniel Goleman’s (1995) model of 5 Core Components of Emotional Intelligence (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation), here are ten signs of emotional intelligence in the workplace, along with tips for improvement in areas where you might need growth:

1. You practice self-awareness (Self-Awareness)
2. You manage your emotions effectively (Self-Regulation)
3. You are empathetic towards others (Empathy)
4. You communicate effectively (Social Skills)
5. You stay calm under pressure (Self-Regulation)
6. You build strong relationships (Social Skills)
7. You are adaptable (Self-Regulation)
8. You handle conflict constructively (Social Skills)
9. You take responsibility for your actions (Self-Awareness)
10. You inspire and motivate others (Social Skills, Motivation)

1. You Practice Self-Awareness

The first core component of emotional intelligence is intentionally highlighted first in the ten signs of emotional intelligence. Emotionally intelligent individuals have a strong awareness of their own emotions and how these feelings influence their behavior and decision-making. They can recognize when they are feeling stressed, frustrated, or excited, and understand how these emotions can impact their work and interactions.

Opportunity for Growth:

• Start by keeping a simple notebook/journal or setting aside a few minutes each day to reflect on your emotional state. Ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now, and why?” Pay attention to emotional patterns, especially during stressful situations.
• Can you identify and name the emotion you’re experiencing? Recognizing the emotion is the first step in managing it, which is why this reflective practice is so important. Consider incorporating meditation or mindfulness techniques to enhance your self-awareness and emotional regulation.

2. You Manage Your Emotions Effectively

Managing your emotions doesn’t mean suppressing them; it’s about expressing them appropriately and controlling how you react in emotional situations. Emotionally intelligent people know how to keep their emotions in check and respond thoughtfully.

Opportunity for Growth:

• Do you notice a pattern in your reactions to certain situations? Is there a specific trigger—a person’s actions, a phrase, or a particular circumstance—that causes you to lose control? When intense emotions surface, it’s important to take a step back before reacting. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness to help regain your calm.
• Cultivate a “pause” habit—take a few moments to breathe, center yourself, and gather your thoughts before responding to challenging situations. From experience, when emotions overwhelm us, our message often gets lost. The audience tends to tune out, distracted by the emotional display, making it harder to communicate effectively.

3. You Are Empathetic Towards Others

Empathy is about understanding and being sensitive to the feelings and perspectives of others. Emotionally intelligent individuals are in tune with the emotions of those around them and offer support or understanding when needed. In simpler terms, it’s about being considerate to those we often see daily and avoiding unnecessary insensitive behavior. (Pssst… it’s also necessary for emotional intelligence sign #10)

Opportunity for Growth:

• Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker—focus on their words, tone, and body language without interrupting. Paraphrase what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.
• If you sense someone is struggling, offer a kind word or ask if they need support. This is especially important if you notice signs of burnout in colleagues. If they seem off, take the opportunity to check in privately, ask how they’re really doing, and offer help if needed. Your empathy could make all the difference.

4. You Communicate Effectively

Strong communicators can express their thoughts clearly while also listening actively to others. Emotionally intelligent individuals understand the importance of non-verbal cues and adapt their communication style based on the audience.

Opportunity for Growth:

• Focus on enhancing both your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Practice active listening—give the speaker your full attention and avoid distractions. If you struggle to express your feelings, be clear and honest, and ask for feedback to ensure your message is understood.
• Remember, communication is reciprocal, meaning messages are both sent and received simultaneously. Pay attention to not only what you’re saying but also how others respond. If someone seems ready to speak but remains silent, take the opportunity to ask, “Did you want to add something?” This encourages open dialogue and shows that you value their input.

5. You Stay Calm Under Pressure

We are halfway through the signs of emotional intelligence. Building off sign #2, emotionally intelligent individuals maintain composure in high-pressure situations. They keep their cool when deadlines approach, problems arise, or conflicts emerge, which allows them to think clearly and make sound decisions.

Opportunity for Growth:

• When you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, it’s important to pause and take a deep breath. This simple action can help you momentarily step back and regain control of your emotions. Break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to make them feel less daunting. By focusing on one thing at a time, you can reduce the feeling of being swamped and regain a sense of progress.
• In addition, make stress-relief techniques part of your routine. Regular exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a workout session, can release endorphins, improving your mood and reducing anxiety. Relaxation methods such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even taking short breaks throughout the day can also be incredibly effective in building resilience and enhancing your ability to stay calm under pressure. Over time, these practices not only help manage stress but also contribute to improved mental clarity and better decision-making when facing challenges.

6. You Build Strong Relationships

Strong relationships are built on trust, understanding, and shared respect. Emotionally intelligent people foster positive relationships, creating a supportive environment for teamwork and collaboration.

Opportunity for Growth:

• Make an effort to connect with your coworkers and show genuine interest in their lives. Strengthen your relationships by offering assistance, showing appreciation, and providing constructive feedback. If you’re struggling with a relationship, initiate a conversation to better understand the other person’s perspective.
• A great starting point is revisiting a lesson from grade school: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This applies to those coworkers who might irritate you, always speak up in meetings, or seem hard to work with. Before jumping to conclusions, take the time to understand them. Reflect on why their behavior bothers you—it might reveal something about yourself and offer an opportunity for growth.

7. You Are Adaptable

In the workplace, being adaptable is essential. Emotionally intelligent individuals embrace change and view it as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Opportunity for Growth:

• When confronted with change, try to shift your perspective to focus on the potential benefits rather than the challenges. Ask yourself, “What opportunities might this change bring?” Embracing this positive outlook can help you see growth opportunities, like learning new skills, building stronger relationships, or contributing to the success of your team or organization.
• Take time to understand the underlying reasons for the change. Knowing the “why” behind it can give you greater clarity and purpose as you move forward. Whether it’s a shift in company direction, a change in processes, or a new team dynamic, understanding the bigger picture can help you feel more connected to the transition.
• Actively seek out opportunities to step outside your comfort zone. Volunteer for new projects, take on tasks you wouldn’t normally choose, or explore different methods for completing your responsibilities. These small, incremental steps build your adaptability and help you thrive in evolving environments, turning obstacles into growth opportunities.

8. You Handle Conflict Constructively

Emotionally intelligent people approach conflict with a calm, solution-oriented mindset. Rather than escalating tensions, they strive to find common ground and resolve issues to benefit everyone involved.

Opportunity for Growth:

• When conflict arises, take a moment to step back and consider both perspectives. Reflect on the underlying reasons behind the disagreement, and acknowledge any valid points from the other side. This pause allows you to respond more thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively. It also demonstrates respect for others’ viewpoints, helping de-escalate tension.
• Maintaining composure is essential during conflict resolution. Try to stay calm and grounded, even if the situation is heated. Avoid raising your voice, using accusatory language, or blaming others, as this can escalate the situation. Speaking with a calm tone and focused demeanor helps create an environment where open communication can thrive.
• Shift your mindset from “winning” the argument to collaboratively finding a solution. Emphasize problem-solving and seek common ground. This approach fosters collaboration, reduces defensiveness, and promotes a healthy exchange of ideas. It also builds trust, as others will see that you are more concerned with the team’s well-being than with being right.
• If the conflict persists or feels unresolvable, consider involving a neutral third party to help mediate the situation. A mediator can facilitate constructive dialogue, ensuring that both sides are heard and guiding the conversation towards a resolution. This approach can help prevent escalation and ensure that the conflict is resolved in a way that is fair and objective.

9. You Take Responsibility for Your Actions

Emotionally intelligent individuals are accountable for their actions, owning their mistakes and learning from them. This accountability builds trust and respect in the workplace.

Opportunity for Growth:

• When you make a mistake, it’s important to acknowledge it promptly and without defensiveness. Denying or deflecting responsibility can undermine trust and hinder progress. Instead, take ownership of the situation, demonstrating accountability and transparency. This builds credibility and encourages an atmosphere of honesty and trust within the team.
• If your mistake has affected others, offer a sincere apology. Acknowledge the impact of your actions on the team or project, and express genuine regret for any inconvenience caused. Following the apology, outline the steps you’re taking to resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again. This shows that you are not only accountable, but also committed to rectifying the situation.
• Instead of viewing setbacks or mistakes as failures, treat them as valuable opportunities for growth. Reflect on what went wrong and what you could have done differently. This approach encourages a growth mindset, allowing you to learn from your mistakes and apply those lessons to future challenges. It also demonstrates resilience and adaptability, key traits of emotional intelligence.
• Show your commitment to growth by actively seeking ways to improve. Whether it’s through additional training, feedback from others, or self-reflection, make it clear that you are dedicated to becoming better both personally and professionally. This growth-oriented mindset will not only help you avoid repeating mistakes, but also inspire others to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the workplace.

10. You Inspire and Motivate Others

Lastly, in the signs of emotional intelligence, we explore the core components of motivation and social skills. Emotionally intelligent leaders inspire and motivate their teams through empathy, support, and positivity. They know how to uplift others and maintain morale, even in tough times. You don’t need a formal leadership title to demonstrate these qualities—being emotionally intelligent in this way makes you a dependable and respected presence in any team.

Opportunity for Growth:

• Take the time to offer praise and recognition for your colleagues’ hard work and achievements, fostering an environment of appreciation and respect.
• Encourage others’ growth by offering guidance, sharing resources, and suggesting opportunities for improvement, helping them reach their full potential.
• If you notice a colleague struggling, offer a word of support or practical help, showing empathy and creating a supportive, motivating work environment.

Emotional Intelligence at Work–Interactive Workshop

I’m excited to take on another emotional intelligence breakout session at the Global TapRooT® Summit! On Friday, October 3, 2025, I will lead a session on Applying Emotional Intelligence at Work, where we’ll explore the often overlooked and misunderstood aspect of motivation—one of the five core components of emotional intelligence. To sign up and learn more, visit the Global TapRooT® Summit page for full details.

Final Thoughts on 10 Signs of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is an invaluable skill in the workplace, shaping your ability to build meaningful relationships, manage stress, and lead with effectiveness. If you notice areas where you could improve, take proactive steps to develop these signs of emotional intelligence. Over time, these efforts will contribute to a more positive, productive work environment for both you and your team. And remember, emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey—embrace the process and celebrate your growth along the way. Do you have other signs of emotional intelligence to share? Let us know in the comment field below this article!