Which quality would help Brittany avoid awkward interactions in the workplace?

Enhanced emotional intelligence is a crucial quality that enables individuals to navigate social situations with greater ease and sensitivity. This skill encompasses self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage one’s own emotions as well as understand and influence the emotions of others. With a high level of emotional intelligence, Brittany would be better equipped to perceive subtle social cues and adjust her responses accordingly, minimizing misunderstandings and discomfort in interactions.

For example, if she recognizes when a colleague is feeling overwhelmed, she might choose to offer support or change the subject to something lighter, thereby fostering a more comfortable atmosphere. Additionally, her ability to manage her own emotional responses can help prevent her from reacting defensively or inappropriately in challenging situations.

In contrast, while increased self-confidence could potentially reduce anxiety in social situations, it doesn’t necessarily equip someone with the skills to read social contexts or respond appropriately to others' feelings. Stronger persuasive skills are valuable for influencing others but do not directly address the subtleties of interpersonal interaction. Similarly, improvement in technical knowledge is important for job performance but does not contribute to social agility or sensitivity in navigating workplace relationships. Thus, enhanced emotional intelligence stands out as the most relevant quality for avoiding awkward interactions.