Emotional Intelligence and Technology Smarts–Compatible?

“Tell me Edree.  Does a senior manager in high tech really need to know how someone feels?”

What a great question and an obvious challenge.  His tone was friendly, but with a definite “prove it” sort of feel to it.  All eyes were on me.  Especially because I am an “immigrant” to the technology world, I had to meet this challenge.

 I smiled in secret gratitude for the perfect answer that had come to me just two days ago on the web.

 “That’s a good question, _____.” The truth is I really don’t know.But what I do know is that MIT and other organizations are developing computers that can read and respond supportively to the emotions of the user, particularly the challenging emotions like frustration.  I can say that it is clearly important for computers to know how people feel.  Whether, it is important for managers in tech companies—-you’ll have to decide.”

 Yes, the answer was a bit flippant, but it went over well.  They laughed and seemed to pay closer attention.

But now I have the time to offer a more complete response.  I will share it with you as well as with them. 

Here are three reasons why it is not only necessary but crucial for senior managers as well as other leaders and employees in technology to develop greater Emotional Intelligence (which includes, but is much more that knowing how someone feels):  1.  Neuro-scientists have determined that emotions heavily influence all our decisions and actions.  2. Emotions are a clue to what’s going on with the other person.  3. Challenging emotions, when ignored, can cause great chaos in the workplace.

What would you have said to the manager?

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