training corner
Developing
Emotional
Intelligence
In times of great challenge and
uncertainty , we look to our leaders for inspiration , guidance and hope . But how well do leaders cope when there are challenges around every corner , their own hope is fading and their inner spark is dimmed ? Where can leaders turn when they have poured every last ounce into holding their business and their team together ?
Remember the saying “ when emotion is high , logic is low .” In times of stress , some leaders allow their emotional reactions to go unchecked , spreading a sense of panic and urgency throughout their teams . Others may choose to withdraw , keeping to themselves , to spare their team members the stark reality the business may be facing . Now more than ever , leaders can benefit from developing and practicing skills in emotional intelligence . The four foundational skills of emotional intelligence include self-awareness , self-management , social awareness and relationship management .
Self-awareness is the ability to know yourself , to accurately define your own emotions in the moment , and to understand certain tendencies you have in various situations . To develop this skill , try to allow yourself to experience negative emotions without avoiding them or assigning judgement to them .
There are no good or bad emotions , and you shouldn ’ t try to suppress or fight them . Instead , try to step back and objectively understand them . Recognize your by Katin Keirstead emotional patterns by stating “ When [ stimulus happens ], I [ my typical reaction ].” For example , you might acknowledge “ When I get stressed out , I bottle it up and pretend everything is fine .” Being honest with yourself regarding your emotional patterns and triggers will broaden your understanding of the emotional wake you leave in challenging and stressful situations . Ask yourself : “ What does it feel like to be on the other side of me ?”
2020 Issue 4 | GearedUp
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