The corporate world is a place where people of different backgrounds converge to work together, in a civilised manner by observing certain laid down rules and regulations of work ethics of which line management reporting is one of them and a must.
However, laid down rules and regulations alone, cannot manage people. The reason is that, people are not machines or some other inanimate objects that can be controlled mechanically, without a will of their own. People need good relationship to function well as they become used to their work.
We see and react to things differently and we always have a reason or motive for anything we do. In every issue or challenge we confront, there is always a list of choices before us to choose from, as we see fit when the rules do not give any definite step to take; but the boss or manager may not understand this and can decide to take another line of action, contrary to what we expect. For example, a rebuke instead of a praise or appreciation or a cold, impersonal caution for a lively, hearth felt innovative idea introduced or even a slightful remark or response!
The corporate world is run majorly by its own rules and regulations, which can be at the detriment of the feelings and deep concerns of the employees. This has become a growing concern, because of the numerous experiences people have had in many corporate establishments which can be traced to the dearth of "emotional intelligence", that is, personal feelings and concerns. When there is a dearth of something it means there is not enough - a lack or scarcity of that thing, and it is not desirable to put up with it.
The corporate world is one place where power can be greatly abused without regards to anyone because the system allows it and does little or nothing about it. People (employees) are seen as tools or means, by management, to an end that is, to maintain or keep the system going at all costs with no regard to their feelings and opinions. People have no option, but to accept this, as the fate they should live up with in the corporate world!
Emotional intelligence, is a phrase, coined and popularised nowadays because of the lack of sensitivity of employees' personal plight or feelings which goes with their work by their colleagues,superiors or managers. Persons in management positions, which do not have adequate experience or understanding can be cold, insensitive, calculating and very awkward towards employees when trying to meet company's set targets and achievements and also to keep the "corporate structure and vision" of the firm in tact.
This painful plight people face at the place of work reflects the mindset of what the corporate business world or system is now all about-competition and the drive to achieve results and profit at all cost,including the cost of human relationships!
The term emotional intelligence in my opinion is used to describe core conscientious values we should imbibe in all our activities not just only reciting it in churches or other religious circles alone, but also in our places of work when dealing with people as we go about our duties. These values are intrisinc basic human insights which we sense within us, and which are by no means difficult to understand, if we have a good disposition towards others.
This does not require secular education that is why we are sometimes surprised at persons who do not show us this understanding when we expect them to, and also those who do. Examples of these values are understanding, patience, kindness, team work etc, which are now non-existent in the bid to strive for success and achievement in our places of work!
Wherever people have come together to achieve one purpose, as in the corporate world, these human insights are seen and felt. It's all about understanding, meeting and assisting peoples emotional challenges as we can. We are both physical and psychological beings; our psychological(emotional) make up being very important. The biblical injunction that "man shall not live by bread alone" or "a man's life does not consist of the abundance of things which he possesses" shows the need for our emotional well being.
Instead, what is required in corporate successes are exploitation and intimidation by whatever means available, deception, craftiness, strife, distrust, graft and all the base instincts which can be deployed to achieve a purpose!
Viewed psychologically, the dearth of emotional intelligence, has a negative toll on employees, which can cause both mental and emotional fatigue, which can thus it can lead to stress related illnesses. Many good employees have been forced to leave and seek other lesser stressful jobs, where they are appreciated and motivated,not minding a lesser pay or just retire, to leave a normal simple life where they can relate with people ordinarily without any complications.
Our psychological and emotionally well being comes first and it is as important as our physical well being. We all have the intrinsic nature in us, to contribute our quota to things we are involved with and improve on it. When we are deprived of this opportunity, it causes emotional setback to us, which affects the zeal or drive to continue in what we are doing. Persons who cannot endure, leave with the slightest available opportunity while those who have no choice cope with the unbearable condition!
This condition, which has always been a trademark with the corporate system,is for one reason, a reflection of the drive in our society,of the many corporations who wield financial power and influence,to continue in pursuit of their objectives to amass profits at all costs, against all moral standings and concerns of its employees. We can also make the effort to improve on the way we view and regard the feelings of others as we go pursue our business objectives. We need to put a stop to this dilemma!