Emotional intelligence important in companies says psychotherapist

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Portugal’s traditional paternalistic boss may soon become a thing of the past according to an expert from a Lisbon psychotherapy clinic.

Dr. Clara Pracata, Clinical Director of the Lisbon Clinic of Psychotherapy and Counselling (LisbonCPC) which specialises in coaching bosses and professionals resolve common workplace interpersonal problems, says the old Portuguese hierarchical way of expecting unquestioning obedience simply doesn’t wash with the Millennials generation who are “more empathetic and emotionally intelligent than previous generations.”

The former CEO of two Totta bank subsidiaries who has a Masters and Phd in psychology and psychoanalysis, says, “Today emotional skills are very important” and that management styles today are not the same as they were 10 years ago. “I don’t think the bossy, bullying manager with Narcissistic Personality Disorder will do well in the next 20 years. This new generation, the Millennials, are already demanding a management culture that recognises them for who they are, with emotional tools that are more open to innovation and creativity, emotional intelligence rather than just the numerical results demanded by a domineering boss.

“When I started out in the 1980s there was bland authority, it was extremely hierarchical and male-dominated. Today, I think a good manager must persuade and cajole, inspire and encourage instead of bullying and answering the question “why?” with “because I’m the boss and I say so”. Today you have to captivate people and build trust. Treat people with respect, as intelligent human beings. It’s what I always tried to do throughout my career at the bank” she concludes.