In this episode, we talk with Karine Leblanc, vice president of Sales at iAIRE, LLC, and a renowned speaker, trainer, coach, and author, about the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in engineering and why it matters. Karine provides practical strategies and tips for engineers to help enhance their EQ. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Karine: What is the title of your book, and could you share your experience as an author? Can you explain the concept of emotional intelligence (EQ) and why it has become important in the engineering field? Why is emotional intelligence important as a critical skill for engineers, especially considering their traditional focus on technical abilities? How has developing emotional intelligence impacted your professional life and influenced your approach to engineering and leadership? What strategies do you suggest for engineers who want to improve their emotional intelligence? How can engineering teams promote a positive emotional culture in their workplaces? How can leaders effectively assess the emotional well-being of their team, including using specific tools or methods to gain deeper insights? What advice would you offer engineers seeking to advance their careers and personal growth? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Boost Emotional Intelligence for Engineers in the Workplace: In "How to be Human in a Technical World," Karine shares her journey as a young engineer in a male-dominated industry, where her ideas were often overlooked until echoed by male colleagues. Witnessing this pattern among peers, she transformed her approach, emphasizing emotional intelligence and resilience. The book aims to inspire others in similar situations, highlighting the value of human connection in technical fields. Emotional intelligence (EQ or EI) is about how you handle emotions in yourself and with others. It's more than being nice — it's recognizing emotions and managing them effectively. Even if you teach or write about it, you'll still have tough days because we're all human. The key is understanding and navigating your emotions for better relationships. Engineers play a vital role in society, but success goes beyond technical skills. Collaboration and communication with diverse teams are essential for effective engineering. Balancing technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills is crucial to prevent mistakes and ensure project success. Mentorship plays a crucial role in transforming the understanding of emotional intelligence. Feedback from mentors prompts education and application of new skills. Sharing this journey with the team inspires positive change, emphasizing self-awareness and growth in the industry. Self-awareness is crucial for managing emotions effectively. By understanding values, personality traits, and limiting beliefs, individuals can cultivate emotional intelligence. Being open to feedback and recognizing triggers for negative reactions are key strategies. Monitoring physical sensations like tense shoulders or a racing heartbeat helps regain control through actions like deep breathing or taking a walk. These practices empower individuals to navigate challenges calmly and build stronger relationships based on self-awareness and emotional regulation. Understanding how leadership impacts emotions is crucial for creating a positive work environment. Supportive bosses boost engagement, while negativity leads to disengagement. Tools like the Genos emotional intelligence assessment provide insights and empower leaders to improve workplace culture and promote self-awareness. Social awareness is essential for teamwork and relationships.