Emotional What?
This one question in a casual conversation between two professors sparked a whole new movement.
Since the work of Peter Salovey (Yale) & John Mayer (New Hampshire) was popularized in Daniel Goleman’s book in 1995, Emotional Intelligence (EI) has seen a rise in the use of the term in job application criteria, management appraisal interviews, executive development expectations, the coaching profession, education and almost every aspect of everyday life.
Whilst many have heard of, or are familiar with the term Emotional Intelligence, bringing its ‘practise‘ into business and life seems a little trickier? Is it any wonder?
My experience, in talking to professionals, HR. Managers, L&D Leaders, executives & educators, is that they have heard of the term but are not clear about what it is, why it’s important or how to develop it. More worrying are the conversations where EI has been included in selection, recruitment and assessment criteria without clarity, information or real knowledge for those assessing or those being assessed.
So where to begin? –Emotional Intelligence in short is being smart with feelings; this may sound as though it doesn’t have a place in business and real life situations? Not according to the vast amount of research which shows that where applied, EI gives a clear competitive advantage, defines our ability to build connections and leads to happier more engaged employees – which all translates to ‘bottom line performance’.
The impact on individuals is greater clarity in decision making, improved personal relationships both at work & in their personal lives & reduces stress overall. EI can be a ‘life changer’.
Emotional intelligence – only becomes “intelligence” when you understand how to access and use the emotional data you receive. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to do this or even to value the data we have. It’s no wonder we are confused and stressed when we are missing half of the information we need to make decisions, build connections and move to a stress free existence.
We understand that investing in something you are not quite sure of is a risk. Embracing change needs more than a change in mindset – it need a change in model – Contact me to see exactly why Emotional Intelligence is that model.
