About the Episode
About the Episode: Retaining the best faculty and staff is key to retaining students at any college or university. But what does it take to retain the best faculty and staff? Regardless of the industry, being valued matters greatly to employees. According to Beth DeAngelis, emotional intelligence and social awareness play a significant role in valuing the hard work of faculty and staff.
To help your institution with its talent retention efforts, here are our three takeaways:
- Definitions of emotional intelligence and social awareness,
- Understanding the importance of emotional intelligence and social awareness in the workplace and
- Understanding how emotional intelligence and social awareness among faculty and staff boost student retention efforts.
Episode Summary
What Are Emotional Intelligence and Social Awareness?
In this episode, Beth DeAngelis defines emotional intelligence (EI) as the awareness of one’s own emotions and those of others in the moment, fostering empathy, regulation, and authentic connections. Social awareness, she explains, is about understanding one’s place within a social landscape and recognizing dynamics within groups and institutions. Together, these skills help individuals communicate effectively, build trust, and foster a culture of belonging. These skills become especially relevant in a post-pandemic era where burnout, silent resignation, and loneliness are prevalent. Beth’s work with both students and executives centers around teaching these skills to enhance well-being and performance.
Why Are EI and Social Awareness Essential in Higher Education?
Beth points out that higher education is fundamentally about people and that EI and social awareness must be woven into every level of an institution’s operations. She shares insights from her research, revealing that students who complete her course on emotional intelligence report improved well-being, communication, and self-regulation. However, she notes that when students leave her course, they often find that the larger campus community lacks these same communication skills, creating a disconnect. For EI and social awareness to fully impact higher ed, institutions must integrate them across all interactions, from classroom dynamics to administrative meetings. The goal is to create a culture that values each community member’s well-being, which ultimately improves retention among faculty, staff, and students.
How Can Leaders and Educators Apply EI to Improve Talent Retention?
The episode highlights that a genuine institutional commitment to EI and social awareness begins at the top, with campus leaders embodying these principles. Beth emphasizes the importance of leaders taking the time to build a sense of community, greet colleagues, and encourage open communication. In her view, hiring for EI and ensuring leaders practice it daily are foundational steps toward creating a supportive and engaging workplace. Leaders who demonstrate care and empathy help cultivate a sense of belonging, which is a critical factor in retaining talent and fostering a positive campus environment.
About the Show: I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Join us for an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There! is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows, too! We’ve got marketing, enrollment, and higher ed technology shows designed to empower you to be a better higher-ed professional. Find your next big idea from your favorite leaders in higher ed, including Bryan Gross, Jenny Li Fowler, Allison Turcio, Dayana Kibilds, and so many others. Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at Element451.com.
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