I have been working with Emotional Intelligence (EI)* for many years. During my 3 decades as a sales executive I found it to be an
invaluable asset, and more recently, in my role as a business and life coach, I
have encouraged my clients to harness its huge potential.
Put simply, EI enables us to know how we tick. With
it we become experts at being aware of our thoughts and emotions as they are
forming and therefore being able to control how we interface with our world. This ability, or lack of it, can impact decisively on every aspect
of our lives but most acutely in business. Whether we are in an executive post,
responsible for managing teams and departments, or a colleague in an organization,
our level of EI will determine just how successful we are by determining how effectively
we can bring our main skill-sets to bear in our given role.
WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF GOOD EI?
- Recognising our stress triggers and those of people around us
- Increasing our clarity and focus when under pressure
- Helping us to communicate effectively
- Greater empathy with our colleagues
- Resolving conflict - we are 'ahead of the game' when emotions are raw
- Having positive body language and also being sensitive to the physical cues of others
As has already been intimated, as we gain a greater understanding
and skill in managing ourselves, with increased levels of EI we also enjoy greater
positive influence with colleagues and customers - in fact anyone with whom we
come into contact.
THE GOOD NEWS IS...
....that EI is a skill and as such can be taught. Like
all skills, some will have a greater predisposition than others but all can
acquire this essential asset from learning the theory, putting it into practice
& having the desire to see it happen.
THE FOUR ATTRIBUTES OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Self-awareness – Becoming
acquainted with our own emotions & the effects they have on us physically, in
our thinking and how we behave. Understanding our emotional strengths and
limitations.
Self-Management - Once we
have the self-awareness we are a good position to better control our behaviour
and reactions to people and events. We also become more flexible during
changing or challenging circumstances
Social awareness - Understanding
the emotions, wants and needs of those around us. Being more attuned to other’s
body language and moods, be it individually or in a group dynamic.
Relationship Management - Be at the
centre of developing and managing good relationships and communications. Being
a more effective manager or team player, and pick up early signs of potential
friction and conflicts.
Our Emotional Intelligence is every bit as important as the
capabilities and skill sets we need to fulfill the requirements of our jobs.
There has been much academic research in this subject since the mid 1990s and
one study illustrated that, in business, up to 90% of the difference between high-flyers and average performers can be
attributed to EI. Emotional Intelligence, therefore, is an essential element for
anyone who is determined to perform at their very best.
*While the popular abbreviation for Emotional Intelligence is EQ, Dr Daniel Goleman prefers EI as it is less confusing and keeps the focus on the message.
Alan Keyse specialises in coaching Emotional Intelligence to business leaders, managers and their staff – in groups or on a 1 to 1 basis. He also speaks and holds workshops encouraging the use of mindfulness principles in business.
info@keysforliving.org
