Emotional Intelligence Case Study Analysis

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Specific personality traits have the ability to enhance the understandings of design thinkers and their emotional intelligence. According to analysis undertaken by Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence has been proven to not only identify successful design thinkers and leaders, but is also linked to strong business performance (Goleman, 2004). The arising concept of design thinking can be defined as the ability to create better suited ideas to the needs and desires of consumers, as opposed to the exhausted previous theory of making an existing idea attractive to consumers (Brown, 2008). Specifically, empathy is seen as one of the principal traits, however this is equally amongst other personality traits including motivation and optimism. Microsoft, …show more content…

In 2010, a UK study “found that emotional intelligence, which includes qualities such as self-confidence, commitment and empathy, is seen as pivotal for organisational success” (Bennett, Perry, and Lapworth 2010). Specifically, empathy is particularly important for design thinkers proving to motivate helping behaviour between leaders, members and users. (Myyry and Helkama, 2001).Those who have empathy are able to view the world through different ‘eyes’ or perspectives and thus understand different ideas and concerns. The power of outrospection creates the revolutionary relationships between the users and business. Case study analysis by Agnieszka Szóstek exemplifies how Microsoft’s creation of the “User Experience” team captures the necessity of design thinking to succeed within the competitive technology markets. The team’s initial key strategies included “...focus on user experience in the development of Microsoft products” and “extensive user research methods”. The collaboration between Microsoft and “Digital Art centre” aimed no longer to simply use arbitrary styling products but rather defining the entire experience as an emotional connection between buyers and their products. The 3 spaces of design thinking were covered at the event whereby users and the Microsoft team collaborated to design unique accessories and covers for the new Surface Pro Tablet. The results of this event allowed …show more content…

Microsoft introduction of ‘myMicrosoft’ aimed to enhance workers morale (Lisa Brummel,2006). Careful yet positive navigation through social complexities allow Microsoft to maximise skill building as well as retain staff. Additionally, the UX designed a set of design principles for the team. This is aimed at having a unified approach to the design thinking space. Examples of principle included “Personalization, not customization” which focuses on whether users “express an element of themselves” (Windows UX Design Principles). The combination of empathy, optimism and self-motivation indicate the importance of multiple personality traits. Thus, these traits are essential to providing individuals as well as teams to successfully undertake the design thinking

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