What are the key indicators of emotional intelligence to look for during an interview?

Self-awareness, the cornerstone of emotional intelligence, refers to the understanding of one's emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motives. Candidates who demonstrate self-awareness are likely to be reflective, open to feedback, and capable of learning and growing from experiences. During interviews, look for candidates who articulate their personal and professional development journeys with clarity and insight. Questions about challenges faced and how they were overcome can reveal a candidate's level of self-awareness.

Self-regulation involves controlling or redirecting disruptive emotions and impulses and adapting to changing circumstances. Signs of strong self-regulation include the ability to stay calm under pressure, think before acting, and express themselves appropriately. Probe for examples where the candidate had to adapt to significant changes or manage a high-pressure situation. Their responses can indicate their ability to maintain control and poise, essential for leadership in high-stakes environments.

For instance, a study by McKinsey highlighted the importance of self-regulation in leadership, linking it to improved decision-making and increased team performance. Candidates who can provide concrete examples of how they've managed their emotions and behavior in challenging situations demonstrate a level of self-regulation that is predictive of leadership success.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is vital for building and maintaining relationships, team cohesion, and customer satisfaction. During the interview, assess a candidate's empathy by their ability to listen actively, acknowledge different perspectives, and respond with sensitivity to others' needs and feelings. Questions that explore how they have handled difficult interpersonal situations or worked with diverse teams can uncover valuable insights into their empathetic capacities.

Social skills in emotional intelligence relate to managing relationships and building networks. An individual with strong social skills is adept at finding common ground, building rapport, and influencing others. Look for candidates who speak about collaboration, persuasion, and conflict resolution with ease. Their past experiences in leading teams, navigating organizational changes, or managing stakeholder relationships can provide evidence of their social adeptness.

A report by Accenture on the impact of emotional intelligence in the workplace found that teams led by individuals with high levels of empathy and social skills outperform in terms of productivity and innovation. Candidates who can demonstrate a track record of successful team leadership and stakeholder engagement are likely to possess the social skills necessary for effective leadership.

Motivation, particularly intrinsic motivation, is a key component of emotional intelligence. It's the drive to pursue goals with energy and persistence. In the interview, look for candidates who are passionate about their work and exhibit a strong desire to achieve for the sake of achievement, not just for external rewards. Discussing career goals and achievements can provide insights into their motivation levels and commitment to excellence.

Achievement orientation refers to the strive for continuous improvement and the setting of challenging goals. Candidates with high achievement orientation are often proactive, take initiative, and are resilient in the face of obstacles. Asking about situations where they went above and beyond, faced setbacks, or initiated change can reveal their drive and determination.

For example, a study by Deloitte on high-performing teams underscores the importance of aligning individual motivations with organizational goals to drive success. Candidates who articulate clear personal and professional goals and demonstrate a history of achieving them, even in the face of challenges, likely possess the motivational drive and achievement orientation valuable to any organization.

Assessing emotional intelligence during the interview process requires a nuanced approach, focusing on self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, motivation, and achievement orientation. By carefully crafting questions and observing candidates' responses, interviewers can gain deep insights into the emotional intelligence competencies critical for leadership and organizational success.