Throughout my career, I’ve gone on plenty of interviews, especially for organizations looking to hire an archivist. I’ve noticed a trend that needs to stop for the benefit of potential employees, as well as companies.
At the heart of socially astute archivists lies emotional intelligence, encompassing the understanding and regulation of emotions while also empathizing with the feelings of others. Developing emotional intelligence empowers archivists to forge meaningful connections with team members, stakeholders, and researchers. By discerning their needs, concerns, and motivations, they establish a positive and collaborative workspace that amplifies productivity and teamwork.