Emotional Intelligence: Skills Worth Learning
A five-year rise in emotional intelligence in the workplace reversed course in 2008. Here's how to keep emotionally fit during hard times
By Nick Tasler and Dr. Travis Bradberry
Excerpts:
- Contagious Skill Set
What makes this discovery so special is that prior to having their emotional intelligence tested, very few, if any, of the people in our sample had ever received formal emotional intelligence training or emotional skills development. Yet average EQ scores still increased. It's as if emotional intelligence skills—much like emotions themselves—seem to be contagious. The more you interact with empathetic people, the more empathetic you become. The more time you spend with other people who openly discuss emotions, the more skilled you become at identifying and understanding emotions.
- Recognizing Your Emotions
Your body always responds to emotions physically even if you aren't consciously aware of them. So, take note of the physical signs that accompany a particular feeling. Do you sweat? Does your heart beat fast? Do you feel numb? Keep a close eye on these symptoms and then try to discover why you react the way you do. Ask yourself what is it about the person or situation that elicits this response.
- Managing Your Emotions
In times like these, uncertainty about the future is the ultimate emotional saboteur. Will you lose your job? Will your company go under? Will you be able to pay your mortgage? The anticipation of disaster ends up taking a greater toll on your functioning than the actual occurrence of disaster. Lay your emotions to rest by preparing for change, instead of worrying about it. Set aside some time in your day for problem-solving and work on being flexible and adaptive in the face of change.
Admit to yourself that you can't change reality, but you can control how you react to your new circumstances. Lastly, jot down a list of positive outcomes that still exist despite the uninvited changes that might happen. Use that list to keep motivated as you focus on achieving your goals.
Read full article: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/mar2009/ca20090327_860041.htm?chan=careers_managing+index+page_top+stories
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This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.
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