Equally important to surviving in this highly connected world is the ability to connect with others, navigate complex interpersonal relationships, and manage one's own emotions.
This is where emotional intelligence comes in: a key skill that complements technical expertise and enables Gen Z to handle everyday challenges with ease. Emotional intelligence enables young people to stay calm under pressure, make better decisions and maintain emotional balance. It also improves their ability to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts and manage stress.
A focus on emotional intelligence can help Gen Z achieve a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Here, Pankaj Kumar Singh, Managing Director, Shard Innovation Centre, explains how developing emotional intelligence can boost Gen Z's ability to connect, adapt to change and grow in both the personal and professional spheres.
How personal development improves emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the foundation of personal development, encompassing self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, and relationship management. For Gen Z, these skills are not just theoretical concepts, but practical tools that can significantly improve their everyday lives.
● Self-awareness:
This allows individuals to recognize their emotions and understand how they influence their thoughts and actions. This self-awareness is essential for personal growth and helps Gen Z understand their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and make informed decisions about their future.
● Self-regulation:
This involves the process of managing emotions in a constructive way. For a generation characterized by digital communication and instant feedback, gaining self-regulation helps us deal with criticism and stress effectively, enhancing personal well-being and healthier relationships.
● Social awareness and relationship management
These are essential to building and maintaining meaningful connections. Understanding and empathizing with the feelings of others helps Gen Z foster deeper relationships, resolve conflicts more smoothly, and contribute positively to their communities.
How professional development improves emotional intelligence
In the workplace, emotional intelligence plays a vital role in achieving career goals and building successful professional relationships. As Gen Z enters a competitive job market, having strong emotional intelligence will help you stand out from your peers.
● Build stronger relationships:
EI enables individuals to effectively navigate workplace dynamics. Understanding and managing their own emotions and being aware of the emotional states of their colleagues allows Gen Z to build strong, supportive relationships. This contributes to a more inclusive and collaborative work culture that is increasingly valued in modern organizations.
● Enhanced communication:
Effective communication is the foundation of professional success. EI helps Gen Z communicate more clearly and empathetically, which is essential for teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. This ability to connect with others on an emotional level leads to more successful collaboration and a more cohesive work environment.
● Career Advancement:
Professionals with high EI are often seen as more adaptable and resilient — qualities that are highly valued in today's fast-paced employment environment. Demonstrating emotional intelligence can help Gen Z improve their leadership potential, manage teams more effectively, and navigate career challenges more easily.
Overcoming challenges and managing stress:
Stress management in the workplace has become important and emotional intelligence plays a key role here. With modern work pressures and digital distractions, Gen Z can benefit from emotional intelligence strategies such as mindfulness and emotion regulation to deal with stress effectively. This will result in a healthier work-life balance and improved well-being.
Additionally, stress management practices help Gen Z create a positive work environment, enhance team dynamics, and create a supportive workplace culture. Organizations that prioritize EI often find that Gen Z employees who manage stress well are more motivated and committed to their work, resulting in higher employee engagement and retention.
