Emotional Intelligence and Teamwork

Elizabeth and Cassandra started with the same company at the same time in similar positions. Both were bright women. Both were at the top of the class at prestigious universities. Both had exceptional technical skills. Yet, after six months in the organization, Elizabeth seemed to be making a bigger impact and enjoying more success. She was friendly with members of her own department and knew many other people throughout the organization. People often came to her for advice, and she had no trouble recruiting assistance when she needed it. Cassandra, who had kept her nose to the computer and kept pretty much to herself, was struggling to understand Elizabeth's popularity. When she questioned her team leader, his response was, "You need to be more social." Stunned, Cassandra returned to her cubicle. Social? More social? What does that have to do with work? Although Cassandra's boss may not have realized it, he was talking about teamwork and emotional intelligence. The glue that holds today's work teams together is made up of social competence, the ability to influence others, participation, and collaboration. These skills, combined with a willingness to develop the team, are the hallmarks of effective teams that will be discussed in this course.

Supervisors, team leaders, managers