Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Definition of Emotional Intelligence: Briefly define emotional intelligence (EI) as the ability to understand and manage emotions in oneself and others. Importance in Administration: State the relevance of EI in administrative practices for improving interpersonal relationships and ...
Emotional Intelligence (El) refers to the capability of a person to manage and control his or her emotions and possess the ability to perceive and manage the emotions of others as well. It includes following levels: Perceiving emotions: The first step in understanding emotions is to perceive them acRead more
Emotional Intelligence (El) refers to the capability of a person to manage and control his or her emotions and possess the ability to perceive and manage the emotions of others as well. It includes following levels:
- Perceiving emotions: The first step in understanding emotions is to perceive them accurately. In many cases, this might involve understanding nonverbal signals such as body language and facial expressions.
- Reasoning with emotions: The next step involves using emotions to promote thinking and cognitive activity. Emotions help prioritize what we pay attention and react to.
- Understanding emotions: The emotions that we perceive can carry a wide variety of meanings. For example, if your boss is acting angrily, it might mean that he is dissatisfied with your work, or he might have got a speeding ticket on his way to work that morning or he’s been fighting with his partner.
- Managing emotions: The ability to manage emotions effectively is a crucial part of emotional intelligence and the highest level. Regulating emotions and responding appropriately as well as responding to the emotions of others are all important aspects of emotional management.
Role of emotional intelligence in administration and governance
- Policy implementation: Public servants need to know emotions, moods and drives of persons at whom public policy is targeted for better acquaintance with the nature of problems in society and their possible solutions.
- Stay composed under pressure: A public servant with high El doesn’t flare up or lose control under difficult circumstances.
- Risk-taking: In a developing country like India, bold decisions are needed in discharging the responsibility of public services and El enables this risk-taking amongst public servants without being erratic or extremely unpredictable in their behaviour.
- Inspire a shared vision: El helps a public servant in convincing others that he understands others’ needs and has their best interests at heart. .
- Challenge the process: An emotionally intelligent public servant strives for change. One of the key emotional intelligence skills that are needed in order to challenge the status quo is flexibility. Flexible people are more likely to try new things, take risks, and face new challenges without fear.
- Enable others to act: El helps a public servant in realising his self-regard and develop interpersonal skills, which help him in fostering collaboration and building trust with others. This trust enables sharing and delegation of power with others.
- Motivating others: El helps in realising the importance of rewarding people for their participation, which goes a long way in motivating them to be part of the team and carry out governance measures with more vigour and energy.
Public servants are the trustees of public interest and are entrusted to make and implement policies. Therefore, they need to be emotionally intelligent, because without El it would be difficult to be empathetic to different sections of the society, to be firm in their approach, and to be good change agents.
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Model Answer Introduction Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and those of others. In administrative practices, EI serves as a crucial tool for enhancing interpersonal relationships and making decisions that consider the emotional needsRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and those of others. In administrative practices, EI serves as a crucial tool for enhancing interpersonal relationships and making decisions that consider the emotional needs of stakeholders. Here’s how emotional intelligence can be effectively applied in administrative roles.
Body
Building Positive Relationships
Developing strong relationships with employees is fundamental to effective administration. T.S.R. Subramanian, an esteemed IAS officer, exemplified this by being approachable and empathetic. He frequently interacted with his team, celebrating their achievements and addressing their concerns. Such practices foster trust and loyalty within the workforce, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
Managing Conflict
Kiran Bedi, former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, effectively managed conflicts by employing her emotional intelligence. She listened empathetically to all parties involved, understanding their emotions and motivations. This approach enabled her to mediate disputes and arrive at resolutions that satisfied everyone, ensuring a harmonious working environment.
Making Sensitive Decisions
S. Parasuraman, former Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, demonstrated how EI can guide decision-making. He initiated a financial assistance program for families of deceased government employees, addressing both emotional and practical needs. This decision not only fulfilled the government’s obligations but also acknowledged the emotional distress faced by the families, showcasing sensitivity in governance.
Managing Stress
H.C. Verma, a retired IAS officer, highlighted the importance of managing stress in the workplace. His calm demeanor and positive attitude created a supportive environment. He also promoted stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which enhanced employee well-being and productivity.
Conclusion
By integrating emotional intelligence into administrative practices, civil servants can foster positive work environments, improve relationships, and make informed decisions that cater to the needs of all stakeholders. This ultimately leads to more effective governance and a healthier organizational culture.
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