Using Emotional Intelligence while dealing with COVID-19, Shreya Hiremath

With numerous people in our society dealing with the obstacles of Coronavirus disease, it’s hard to come with solutions to face these problems and how to approach them. The Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease that has impacted several jobs and education systems. The virus can also be defined as an “emerging virus, spreading from person-to-person via respiratory droplets, is mainly responsible for respiratory tract infections and potentially fatal pneumonia in more frail patients'' (Hermans, Weill, Pierce). Why is it important to recognize this problematic situation and come up with a healthy way to solve it? It is always crucial to understand and manage your emotions in order to create a positive environment with social interactions. This can also be defined as Emotional Intelligence. According to an article called, “How Emotional Intelligence Can Help You Deal With the Covid-19 Pandemic” by Justin Bariso, it is stated that, “Emotional intelligence isn't about trying to remove emotions from the decision-making process; rather, it's about understanding and managing those emotions.” Having the right method to approach difficult situations is crucial especially at this time because it can help people think more practically and rationally.

Now that most people stay home due to the regulations of quarantining, balancing emotions will help with rational thinking that can prevent impulsive actions.

This virus is becoming more problematic for some countries compared to others, and there are a lot of global challenges to address. With the treatment and vaccination, the major concern is that it is accessible to everyone. As stated in an editorial, “Hemophilia treatment centers are working hard to avoid such problems. The current paralysis of air transport may slow or impede the transport of replacement products and access to treatment for an undefined period of time” (Hermans, Weill, Pierce). The transportation of getting the necessary products to certain countries that need them the most can be a stressful task for hospitals and workers as well.

In order to improve these conditions that workers are facing, emotional intelligence can be a helpful tool. People with troubling emotions can learn to improve control with the right training, and this can help workers who are anxious and worried all the time. Emotional intelligence is not a fixed characteristic. Even those who have problems with their emotions can learn to improve control through appropriate training. It just requires the willingness of the individual to get better at it. Organizations should also support their employees. Nurses and doctors to make improvements across the board. Training sessions can be conducted to improve patient care. Most healthcare professionals focus too much on their patients' physical recovery For example, nurses can observe certain behavioral patterns in their patients. They can adjust their own behavior for better interaction with these people. Adjustments can also be made for a more harmonious relationship with colleagues.

Some of the solutions that would work using emotional intelligence is spending time on your self-awareness because it is the area that leaders typically enjoy the least. It may seem as a waste of time but if being fully self-aware is achieved, then it can be a great advantage for the environment you're in. Another solution is practicing empathy and this is something to be practiced and become skilled at. Several behavioral scientists have studied that this includes mental awareness and communication. According to the article written by Laura Murray, “A proven technique from psychologists and negotiation experts is to label fears in order to defuse them.” Labeling fears is something particularly critical at times such as during the pandemic because many people are hired to do jobs right now that might not be working the same way as they were before the pandemic. It’s important to be vocal about being treated unfairly or any personal situations.

An example of shifting your thoughts would be going from thinking that your business will go under and getting fired to realizing that there are other businesses and many others are going to struggle a lot as well. This would help create reassurance the person is not alone in their situation. In this example the feeling of anger, frustration, and fear goes down because of the encouragement. The behavior improves as well because it can go from yelling at people and taking a long time to make a decision to calling on mentors and board members to discuss creative solutions.

Whenever there is a time of need, different organizations and companies come forward and they try to help the society. It is important for leaders like CEOs and visionaries of various companies to take a step up and contribute in some way. One example of a company trying to improve the situation of the pandemic is Service Now, who are launching apps. They are using technology as an advantage in this pandemic with emergency response management apps. These community based apps activate your response to the challenges presented by the covid-19 pandemic. In addition, they also help optimize staff and resources to support emergency response for public agencies and other organizations. Furthermore, these apps can distribute information and confirm employee safety and location through email or a mobile app.

Numerous businesses and companies are using their resources and giving back to the community. Different world leading companies such as Google and Apple are trying with their own methods to contribute whether it is from the software industry or healthcare industry. It could also be famous bloggers or politicians. Every country has their own activists or global leaders who put in their ideas towards making today strong for a better tomorrow.

Thank You!!

Works Cited:

Bariso, Justin. “How Emotional Intelligence Can Help You Deal With the Covid-19 Pandemic.” Inc.com, Inc., 23 Nov. 2020, www.inc.com/justin-bariso/how-emotional-intelligence-can-help-you-deal-with-covid-19-pandemic.html.

Rogers, Lindsay Smith, and JH Bloomberg School of Public Health. “How to Lead With Emotional Intelligence in the Time of COVID-19.” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 21 Apr. 2020, www.jhsph.edu/covid-19/articles/how-to-lead-with-emotional-intelligence-in-the-time-of-covid-19.html.

MM, Baba. “Navigating COVID-19 with Emotional Intelligence.” The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32583710/.

Belli, Brita. “Yale Webinars: Using Emotional Intelligence to Combat COVID-19 Anxiety.” YaleNews, 25 Mar. 2020, news.yale.edu/2020/03/24/yale-webinars-using-emotional-intelligence-combat-covid-19-anxiety.

“The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Healthcare.” Regis College Online, 9 May 2020, online.regiscollege.edu/blog/importance-emotional-intelligence/.

“ServiceNow Support for Your COVID-19 Crisis Response.” ServiceNow, www.servicenow.com/solutions/crisis-management.html.