In addition to tangible business acumen, business professionals benefit greatly from developing soft skills, such as emotional intelligence (EQ) and critical thinking. As one of the most important skills a business professional can have, critical thinking is essential to a company’s success. Critical thinking guarantees methodical problem-solving and strengthens communication, EQ and analytical skills. Solving problems and evaluating issues based on evidence and knowledge can reduce costly errors and assist in vital decision-making processes.
The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in General Business program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University can prepare students to satisfy various business leadership goals in the corporate workforce and beyond. Students will develop the necessary business skills and competencies via applied business projects and courses that cover all aspects of entrepreneurship.
Critical Thinkers With Emotional Intelligence Positively Impact Business Leadership
Business leaders and team members with highly developed critical thinking skills can make the best decisions by analyzing inconsistencies and errors while connecting ideas. Developing creative solutions, examining information, devising systematic plans and divergent thinking are just a few characteristics of a sophisticated business leader.
Many critical thinkers have an open mind to consider information and opinions that may differ from their own, have excellent communication skills, identify and predict problems, ask thoughtful questions and are proactive with a positive outlook. They can improve the workplace by reducing the need for supervision and freeing managers to focus on other responsibilities, saving time and money. By being open to new ideas, critical thinkers can also encourage creative thinking to solve complex problems.
Critical and creative thinking in business are closely connected. While critical thinking takes facts and logically analyzes them, creative thinking can take those same facts and examine them from different perspectives to create imaginative solutions. Both ways of thinking and analyzing information are vital for business leaders because they need to solve problems in insightful and novel ways.
Those in leadership positions with emotional intelligence can recognize, manage and understand their emotions and those of others. According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence involves five items: self-awareness, self-regulation, internal motivation, empathy and people skills. By recognizing their own weaknesses, strengths and emotions, leaders can adapt and learn quickly. An emotionally intelligent person can control emotional responses and express feelings without becoming impulsive.
Business leaders with a high EQ are self-motivated and interested in successful collaborative outcomes rather than external praise or monetary compensation. Empathetic people respond to the needs of others and genuinely understand their feelings and emotions. Building respect and trust with others is another characteristic of a leader with a high EQ. They can build networks successfully while avoiding power struggles. All of these characteristics have a positive impact on business leadership. For many hiring managers, emotional intelligence is more important than a high IQ since those with a high EQ can lead by example, practice active listening and manage and resolve conflicts.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Online MBA in General Business Program
This 100% online MBA program includes core coursework in economics, accounting, research and data analysis, finance and behavioral management. The Behavioral Management class allows students to study human behavior in organizations and investigate its effect on establishing and attaining business goals efficiently and effectively. With these tools, students will be able to engage in the world of business and find success.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online MBA in General Business program.