A majority of project managers are using EQ-based techniques at their workplace and are seeing positive results. Read through the article to learn more about the role of EQ in project management and how teams can benefit from it.

Emotional intelligence can make managers empathetic towards team members

The business landscape has transformed significantly, requiring project managers to adapt by integrating emotional intelligence (EQ) principles into their practices. In fact, nine out of ten Indian project managers listed by Capterra in our latest Project Management Tools survey say that they have significantly or moderately increased the use of EQ in their jobs over the past two years. This shift is essential for optimising project outcomes and ensuring the efficient use of resources. Project managers who possess emotional intelligence (EQ) are better able to lead with empathy, handle concerns, collaborate with their team, and make well-informed judgments.

To understand the role of EQ in project management, we analysed 200 Indian employees who are directly involved with project management in their company. The full methodology can be found at the bottom of the article.

Key highlights
  • 93% of the surveyed project managers have significantly (55%) or moderately (38%) increased the use of EQ in their jobs in the last two years.
  • 74% of respondents strongly agree that their company's leadership recognizes the importance of EQ in project management, while an additional 25% somewhat agree.
  • 60% of project managers consistently incorporate EQ-based techniques into their project management responsibilities, while an additional 40% often do so.
  • 66% of PMs believe that incorporating EQ into their project management responsibilities has enabled them to make better decisions and 53% report that it has helped with team management.

Adoption of EQ by project managers has increased in the past two year 

Project managers who possess emotional intelligence (EQ) are better able to lead with empathy, collaborate with their team, and make well-informed judgments. In the past two years, 93% of surveyed project managers have reported an increase in their use of EQ in their roles. Specifically, 55% have significantly increased their use of EQ, while 38% have moderately increased it. 

Not only that, as many as 96% of the surveyed project managers agreed that they are able to accurately identify their own emotions when they are highly stressed in their workplace, making them more aware of their emotional well-being while at work.

Higher management in companies is also taking note of the importance of EQ for project managers and its impact during project execution. 74% of the respondents echo the same thought and strongly agree that the leadership in their company understands the importance of EQ in project management followed by 25% who somewhat agree.

How to assess and monitor emotional intelligence growth in leadership?
  • Assessment tools: Monitor the development of project managers and leaders over time by using assessment tools to gauge their EQ levels. This can be done using specialised software or self-assessment questionnaires.
  • Timely evaluations: Review and debate the effects of EQ activities regularly. This can be done on a monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly basis. Use the input received to enhance and increase EQ development and training initiatives across your company.
  • Tracking performance metrics: Track metrics to assess leadership effectiveness. This guarantees that emotional intelligence is acknowledged as an essential element of successful leadership. Some of the metrics that businesses can look out for are interpersonal relationships, stress management, and team engagement.

High EQ within the teams significantly impacts productivity

Project management teams are increasingly looking to incorporate EQ-based techniques in their project management responsibilities with almost all the respondents stating that they frequently use these techniques.

Majority of PMs always use EQ-based techniques in their responsibilities

When project team members have high EQs, this reflects in their deliverables and team outcomes. 77% of the respondents stated that a high level of EQ within a project team significantly impacts the team’s ability to achieve its goals followed by 20% who said that it has a moderate impact.

People with higher EQ are more sympathetic and sensitive to the feelings of those around them, which fosters better communication, deeper bonds between people, and creates a positive environment. As a result of the trust and collaboration this cultivates, teams are able to collaborate more effectively toward shared objectives. 

Strong EQ team members may resolve conflicts amicably by discussing concerns in an open and courteous manner, which reduces interruptions and keeps teams concentrated on their goals. As such, those with high EQ are typically more resilient and adaptive to obstacles and changes, which helps them stay motivated and upbeat even in trying circumstances.

Decision-making and team management are the most positive outcomes of high EQ

Teams that incorporate EQ into their interactions with each other are likely to be more balanced, inclusive, and sensitive toward others. 66% of the respondents feel that they are able to make better decisions and 53% state that they are able to manage their teams more efficiently after including EQ in their project management responsibilities.

EQ helps project managers with better decision making

This indicates that leaders and project managers have a positive perception of the impact EQ has on their project management responsibilities. This is possibly due to the fact that they are able to manage aspects like conflict resolution, project outcomes, and team dynamics with a higher degree of caution and awareness after being aware of the emotional needs of their team and team members, leading to a more empathetic approach. 

To further enhance these positive outcomes, companies can invest in conducting training programs for their project managers and other project stakeholders from time to time. This can be done by conducting training workshops in person or using specialised training software.

Since these skills are interrelated, improvements in one will probably lead to improvements in other areas of project management as well. For instance, efficient decision-making may result in improved problem-solving, and vice versa.

Continue empowering your team with EQ

Emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a pivotal role in project management by enriching communication, leadership effectiveness, decision-making, and team dynamics. It empowers project managers to understand and manage their own emotions while empathetically navigating the emotions of team members. 

This capability fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment where conflicts are resolved constructively, and morale remains high. EQ also enhances adaptability and resilience, crucial for managing project complexities and unforeseen challenges. Ultimately, by leveraging EQ skills, project managers can inspire teams, foster innovation, and drive successful project outcomes that meet both organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations in an ever-evolving business landscape.

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Survey methodology

Capterra's 2024 Impactful Project Management Tools Survey was conducted online in May 2024 among 2,500 respondents in the U.S. (n=300), Canada (n=200), Brazil (n=200), Mexico (n=200), the U.K. (n=200), France (n=200), Italy (n=200), Germany (n=200), Spain (n=200), Australia (n=200), India (n=200), and Japan (n=200). The goal of the study was to understand the leadership and emotional intelligence skills needed for PMs to successfully lead teams and projects leveraging/incorporating AI. Respondents were screened to be project management professionals at organizations of all sizes. Their organization must currently use project management software.