Emotional Intelligence and Effective Workplace Communication

IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) act as a catalyst, which drives effective social interaction to bring success in the workplace. Although, balancing IQ and EQ means to enjoy good outcomes, several studies show that the latter is somehow underrated.

Therefore, UEF International Institute held the "Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Effective Workplace Communication" workshop on April 7, featuring experts in the service sector to provide UEFers with another perspective on how EQ affects their life and work.

Students participated in the workshop to better understand the role of EQ in work and life

The workshop featured Ms. Huynh Tu Anh – Deputy Director, UEF International Institute; Ms. Tran Phuong Quynh – Assistant Director, UEF International Institute and Ms. Nguyen Thi Quyen – Vice Dean, Faculty of English.

The keynote speakers were the experienced practitioners in the hospitality industry, including Ms. Vo Thi Huong Thanh – General Manager, and Mr. Lu Cam Van – Assistant General Manager from Liberty Central Saigon. Besides emphasizing the crucial part of EQ in this industry, which requires social interaction, they also analyzed practical problems to enhance student engagement.

The keynote speakers were seasoned practitioners in the service sector

The resource speakers began the workshop with distinctions between IQ and EQ. As illustrated, IQ measures human intelligence and depends on the innate ability, which is hard to change whilst EQ is the ability that one can manage their own emotions and influence others. High EQ people can control their behaviors properly.

Many practical issues were analyzed to clarify the importance of emotional intelligence

Mr. Lu Cam Van, who made a comparison between IQ and EQ, indicated both of them are essential and should be utilized appropriately in certain contexts. Expressing empathy and sympathy is no small feat, yet important, especially in the service sector, he added. Without EQ, which affects working status, coordination, and communication, many people in leadership positions cannot achieve work goals well due to a lack of social intercourse.

The keynote speakers put a strong focus on the flexible combination of IQ and EQ

Ms. Vo Thi Huong Thanh, having nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, believed EQ, which is based on 5 qualities, is a measure of promotion in the workplace:

• Motivation
• Empathy
• Self-regulation
• Self-awareness
• Social skills

She highlighted that “what comes from the heart goes to the heart” and advised students to identify their strengths and weaknesses to build EQ and increase work efficiency.

UEFers actively interacted with the speakers

Though UEFers are no stranger to EQ, this informative workshop helped UEFers delve into its matters and effects in the working environment. As a result, they will shape their behaviors towards others in an exemplary manner, laying the solid foundations for their personality development. Furthermore, IQ and EQ balance can assist in fulfilling tasks and resolving issues.

Before the workshop ended, UEFers enthusiastically joined in the Q&A session, demonstrating their interests in this issue. The answers from the two keynote speakers motivated students to develop their EQ, foster healthy self-expression, and improve working efficiency besides gaining knowledge.

News: Quy Nguyen

Photo: Son Ha