The Power of Emotional Intelligence: Insights from Noyonita Lodh

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is more than just a buzzword; it’s an essential skill that shapes our interactions, leadership abilities, and overall success in our careers. At the recent LIW symposium, Noyonita Lodh emphasized the transformative impact of EI, shedding light on its significance in both personal and professional growth.

Noyonita articulated how emotional intelligence influences various aspects of our lives, emphasizing that “No emotion is good or bad.” This perspective is crucial, as it encourages individuals to embrace their feelings rather than suppress them. Suppressing emotions can lead to negative consequences, as these feelings can manifest physically and mentally, sometimes resulting in health issues.
 

“It’s a skill that is extremely essential,” she stated, referencing leaders like Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who exemplified the power of emotional connection. Noyonita shared that Nooyi made it a practice to send letters to the families of her employees, acknowledging their performance and fostering emotional connections, which ultimately motivates her team.
 

Noyonita also discussed the dangers of emotional suppression and encouraged attendees to express their feelings in healthy ways, such as journaling or typing them out on their phones. This practice allows for the release of pent-up emotions, preventing them from taking a harmful shape.
 

“Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those who are in your charge,”
 Noyonita emphasized, highlighting the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. She further added, 

“If you want to be a leader, a partner, or the next tech entrepreneur, remember this: emotional intelligence is your superpower in a world where tech and AI are taking over.”
 

Five Steps to Cultivate Emotional Intelligence:

Noyonita outlined five actionable steps to help individuals manage their emotions effectively:

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Give yourself the power to feel. Recognizing and accepting your emotions is the first step toward emotional intelligence.
2. Become Empathetic: Listen to people, not just hear them. When you practice empathy towards others, you also cultivate empathy for yourself, fostering a deeper connection with your feelings.
3. Find the Origin of Your Emotions: Reflect on where your emotions stem from. For instance, after winning a beauty pageant at a young age, one might feel invincible. However, in environments filled with more successful or attractive individuals, feelings of jealousy can arise. Understanding that jealousy often stems from insecurity can empower you to transform that emotion into motivation for personal growth.
4. Accept Your Emotions: You cannot experience positive emotions without acknowledging negative ones. It’s okay to feel low or sad at times. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment. As Noyonita put it, “You do you.” It’s important to accept your emotional state instead of conforming to societal expectations of constant happiness.
5. Offload Your Emotions: Humans need to express themselves. Keeping emotions bottled up can lead to stress and anxiety. Journaling is an effective method to express and process your feelings, allowing for a healthier emotional release.

By prioritizing the development of emotional intelligence and practicing these steps, professionals can enhance their relationships and create a more empathetic and engaged workplace culture.

As we strive for success in our careers, let’s remember the power of emotional intelligence and the importance of expressing our emotions. 
At LIW, we’re committed to providing insights and resources that empower professionals to thrive in their careers. Join our upcoming sessions and discover how you can apply these expert strategies to your professional journey!