Black Women, Emotional Intelligence, and Organizational Opportunities for Growth

Abstract

Since the end of 2019, the world has been trying to identify ways to deal with the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and the racial reckoning that arose during the summer of 2020. Organizations have scrambled to re-energize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The questions to be asked are why are organizations focusing their efforts on DEI initiatives, and how can they be successful? This chapter introduces and examines emotional intelligence as a vehicle leveraged by both authors and many other Black women, including Black diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners, as a means for advancement within their organizations. The authors further offer that in order for organizations to achieve equity and inclusion, emotional intelligence is a required baseline, and the support of DEI practitioners in this arena will create an array of positive effects, such as a harmonious work environment, self-actualized individuals including Black women, and thus personal, community, and organizational success.