"Win at Work"

Weekly Newsletter by Yasar Ahmad

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In todays newsletter I cover how to improve your EQ but before we start a few resources worth noting this week:

If your currently job searching, memorize these 7 questions to ask your hiring manager in your next interview!

If you're trying to improve your small talk, these 5 micro habits instantly make you better!

Lastly, if you feel stuck in your career, underpaid, overlooked, or unsure how to move up my 1:1 coaching is designed to fix that. I’ll help you rebuild your positioning, master executive presence, and get the roles and recognition you deserve. Book a clarity call here.

Week 24 - Emotional Intelligence - The Underrated Superpower

We all know the brilliant jerk at work – the person who’s technically gifted but terrible with people. Sure, they might be smart, but they alienate others and derail their own success. In contrast, colleagues with emotional intelligence – who stay cool under pressure and empathize with others – tend to rise fast. It’s no coincidence.

The problem: Too many careers derail due to low emotional intelligence (EQ). You might have great ideas or skills, but if you frequently clash with colleagues, struggle to handle criticism, or can’t manage your temper, it overshadows everything else.

People avoid working with you. Opportunities pass you by. Research actually shows EQ often matters more than IQ once you’re in the job. Studies have found that about 90% of top performers have high EQ, and those with high EQ earn more on average. Why? Because work is a team sport, and EQ is the glue that holds teams together. Without it, even a “rockstar” employee can end up isolated and ineffective.

Emotional intelligence comes down to understanding and managing emotions, in yourself and others. Signs of low EQ at work include: snapping at coworkers when stressed, taking feedback as a personal attack, not realizing when you’ve offended someone, or failing to motivate your team. The good news is EQ isn’t fixed; it’s a skill you can develop at any age. By boosting your self-awareness and empathy, you can massively improve your leadership and collaboration. You’ll handle conflicts smoother, bounce back from setbacks faster, and earn a reputation as someone others want to work with.

Solution: Start strengthening your emotional intelligence with everyday habits:

Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your emotional triggers. When you feel anger or anxiety bubbling up (e.g. in a tense meeting or after an email critique), notice it. Simply naming your emotion (“I’m frustrated”) can diffuse it. The more you understand your moods and reactions, the more control you gain.
Pause before reacting: In emotionally charged moments, take a breather. If an email annoys you, don’t fire back a snarky reply immediately. Wait, re-read it later, or call the person to clarify tone. A short pause can save you from sending something you’ll regret. Respond thoughtfully, not reflexively.
Empathize and listen: Next time you’re dealing with a coworker or employee issue, try to see the situation from their perspective. Ask yourself, “What might they be feeling or needing?” Then listen actively. When people feel heard and understood, trust grows. For example, if a teammate misses a deadline, instead of blowing up, ask if everything’s okay – maybe they’re struggling with something you didn’t know about.
Master your body language and tone: EQ isn’t just about words. How you say something matters. Keep your tone calm and constructive, even during disagreements. Maintain open body language (no crossed arms; nod to show you’re listening). These cues reassure others that you’re approachable and composed.
Give and receive feedback with grace: Don’t shy away from tough conversations – but do them kindly. When giving feedback, focus on the issue, not the person (“The report had a few errors” vs. “You’re sloppy”). When receiving feedback, fight the urge to get defensive. Thank the person for their honesty and consider how you can use it to grow. This maturity earns respect.

Remember, small EQ improvements make a big difference. Instead of reacting with, say, sarcasm in a stressful meeting, acknowledge the stress and refocus on solutions. Instead of assuming the worst about a colleague’s terse email, assume they’re busy, not mad. These shifts in mindset and behavior create a more positive atmosphere around you.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou

Take Aways:

In the end, emotional intelligence is your secret career superpower. It helps you resolve conflicts, inspire others, and handle crises with grace. You can be the smartest person in the room, but if you pair that with empathy and self-control, you become unstoppable. Start tuning in to emotions – both yours and others’ – and watch how much smoother (and more rewarding) your work life becomes.

Thanks

Yasar

P.s I've linked my youtube video on this topic in more detail below!