Three reasons why employers look for emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills in staff

The world of work is changing rapidly. Employers want more than qualifications and technical skills, they also want employees who can solve problems, think critically and have good emotional intelligence.

An employee with good critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence can help build stronger teams, solve problems and be a positive contribution to the workforce.

Here are three big reasons why -

Reason 1 – Staff need good critical thinking skills when using AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used at work. To write reports, answer emails, do research, communicate, make decisions etc.

This can be really useful. AI definitely saves time on tasks. BUT AI is not always reliable and accurate, so staff need good critical thinking skills to ensure that they use AI effectively.

What are critical thinking and critical judgement?

Critical thinking means –

Questioning information we are given.

Looking for proof of what AI says

Looking at information from different perspectives

Not accepting information on face value.

Critical judgement means using any information we gain from AI to decide if we trust that information, if it is accurate and appropriate.

Therefore, good critical thinking and judgement skills are important for employers and their staff.  Businesses need to make sure that the information they receive from their staff is accurate, up to date and unbiased. 

Reason 2 – Emotional Intelligence is also important in staff

Qualifications and experience are obviously important when employers decide to take on new staff. BUT employers are recognising that successful employees tend to have greater emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is having the ability to –

Understand and recognise your own emotions

Recognise and react appropriately to the emotions of others

Good EQ also includes good –

Team work

Communication

Leadership

People skills

These people skills do really mater.

Staff members need to communicate effectively with other team members and customers and clients.

They need to be able to work effectively with people who hold different opinions, and have different personalities.

People with good EQ are able to –

Understand different viewpoints

Actively listen to others

Communicate effectively

They will also recognise if someone stressed or unhappy or pleased. All of which can be useful in teamwork and when dealing with customers/clients.

Reason 3 – Managing Stress and Change

Good critical thinking and EQ skills can also be useful in stressful situations. In the business world, there can be –

Tight deadlines

Problems

Delivery delays

Customer complaints

Changes in the organisation or by suppliers

Etc.

All of which can create pressure and stress on team members. Having members of staff with high EQ means that they are able to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

This can also impact on a business’s performance and reputation.

Develop your critical thinking, problem solving and emotional intelligence with our self-paced, online course.

Contact us on admin@acs.edu.au to find out more or view the courses by clicking on the links below –

Emotional Intelligence

Problem Solving

Artificial Intelligence