87% of Project Managers Report an Increase In The Use of EQ Over The Past 2 Years
Capterra’s latest research study investigates the use of emotional intelligence (EQ) within project management and its impact on overcoming project challenges.
EQ is the ability to use, understand, and manage one’s own and others’ feelings. EQ-based techniques, such as listening actively or being open-minded, allow project managers to better engage with stakeholders and enhance their decision-making skills.
Almost half (47%) of the U.K. project managers we surveyed say they always use EQ-based techniques when enacting their project management responsibilities, while 51% say they do so often. Additionally, 87% of surveyed project managers report a significant or moderate increase in EQ usage over the past two years.
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The vast majority (95%) state that their company’s leadership understands the importance of EQ in project management. Moreover, 97% believe that a high EQ level can significantly or moderately impact a project team’s ability to achieve goals.
Project management responsibilities most positively impacted by EQ, according to respondents, include:
– Decision-making (60%)
– Problem-solving (58%)
– Team management (49%)
– Risk management (32%)
– Time management (27%)
While project managers speak highly of EQ’s positive impact on teams, the story is different when it comes to its influence on senior stakeholders—only 17% of managers believe EQ positively impacts senior-level stakeholder management.
Conflict resolution is an aspect of EQ that most project managers struggle with, as 45% grapple with handling conflicts. Moreover, 36% of project managers have trouble communicating needs or expectations, 30% find it hard to identify emotions and 29% have difficulties managing relationships.
Eduardo Garcia, content analyst at Capterra U.K., comments:
While emotional intelligence is innate, there are aspects that can be further developed by project managers. Therefore, businesses should educate project managers on the effective use of EQ. Understanding and managing emotions not only enhances decision-making and problem-solving but also improves team dynamics and project outcomes.
To harness EQ effectively, businesses should prioritize training in conflict resolution, communication and relationship management to ensure projects and teams are managed efficiently.
Methodology:
Capterra’s 2024 Impactful Project Management Tools Survey was conducted in May 2024 among 2,500 respondents in the U.S. (300), U.K. (200), Canada (200), Brazil (200), Mexico (200), France (200), Italy (200), Germany (200), Spain (200), Australia (200), India (200) and Japan (200). Respondents were screened to be project management professionals at organizations of all sizes. Their organization must currently use project management software. For this study, we analyzed data from a sample of 200 U.K. respondents.