Can Emotional Intelligence Make a Workplace Safer?

Just the other day, I was explaining to a friend that I thought he had a high level of emotional intelligence. I had to laugh since that's not something I would have said or even known about years ago. 

When Daniel Goleman wrote his groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence, in 1995, it brought about a sea change in how we viewed intelligence and, by extension, leadership.

At 79, he is still writing, and in a recent article for Korn Ferry, he explains that EI is essential to understanding motivation. "To know what matters to you—what you care about, what you want, and what actually lights you up—takes self-awareness, the foundational competency for developing EI," he writes. In this article, he's talking about how young people can find careers they want.

EHS is a career that many turn to to fulfill that exact need. So, can EI be a trait that can improve the safety culture? 

Yes, says La Forest Williams, a safety program coordinator for the City of Richmond, Virginia, who wrote a white paper on the topic for the National Safety Council. 

Williams talked about how emotional intelligence plays a key role in safety (excerpted below).

Individuals with high emotional intelligence are better able to perceive and assess risks accurately. They can recognize potential hazards and understand the consequences of their actions, which helps in preventing accidents and injuries. Additionally, effective communication is essential for safety protocols to be understood and followed.

Emotional intelligence enables individuals to express safety concerns clearly and assertively, as well as to actively listen to others' concerns. This fosters an environment where safety-related information can be shared openly and acted upon promptly.

Furthermore, in dynamic environments where safety risks can change rapidly, adaptability is crucial. 

Moreover, emotional intelligence enables individuals to adapt to new situations and information quickly, making necessary adjustments to safety protocols and behaviors as needed.

Empathy is also a key component of emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to understand and consider the perspectives and feelings of others. In safety contexts, this means being aware of how one's actions may impact the well-being of others and taking appropriate measures to ensure their safety.

With that said, emotional intelligence can play a crucial role in enhancing an individual's awareness, decision-making abilities, communication skills and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential elements of creating and maintaining a safe environment.

In the whitepaper, Williams offers an action plan on how to create a safer workplace through emotional intelligence.

Train leaders and managers in emotional intelligence skills such as self-awareness,
empathy and relationship management. Leaders with high emotional intelligence set the tone for safety by modeling safe behaviors, fostering open communication and prioritizing employee well-being.

Encourage open and honest communication about safety issues. Use emotional intelligence principles to ensure that safety messages are conveyed clearly, respectfully empathetically. Provide opportunities for employees to express their concerns and ideas for improving safety.

Incorporate empathy training into safety programs to help employees understand and appreciate each other's perspectives. Empathy fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, encouraging employees to look out for each other's safety and well-being.

Provide training in conflict resolution and emotional intelligence skills to help employees address safety-related conflicts constructively. Teach techniques for active listening, managing emotions and finding mutually beneficial solutions to safety issues.

Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by soliciting feedback from employees, analyzing safety data and identifying areas for improvement. Use emotional intelligence principles to guide decision-making and problem-solving processes, ensuring that safety
initiatives are effective and sustainable over time.

Foster employee engagement by involving employees in safety planning, decision-making and problem-solving processes. Encourage participation in safety committees, task forces and improvement teams, empowering employees to take ownership of safety and contribute to a safer workplace.