| The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological (IPA) analysis study was to understand how front-line leaders made meaning or sense of their own emotional intelligence (EI) skills and how they perceived the efficacy of their use of EI skills within their own workgroups in time-sensitive and production driven work environments. Using the IPA, six phenomenological themes emerged in the findings: (a) EI was interpreted as the conscious knowledge of one's own and others' emotions necessary in socialization as well as in professional development; (b) achievement of EI was identified as a continuous learning process based on strategic application experiences; (c) EI was recognized as an essential element of effective management in building relationships, establishing teamwork, and influencing employees' positive work values; (d) leaders with high EI interact and tailor their actions and responses to their followers; (e) application of EI harmonizes working relationship, facilitates work efficiency, and enhances employees' level of participation in the decision-making process; and (f) interactions at individual and group levels are opportunities that improve EI. The findings of the study of the sample of 10 participants indicated that EI is a skills-based model requiring learning and relearning traits and behaviors of subordinates to respond appropriately and tailor-make the necessary approach in managing the teams. This study contributes solutions to the problem of acquiring, understanding, and implementing EI skills by frontline leaders who manage teams, especially in time-sensitive and production-driven environments. |
