We all know what IQ is: a rating of your intelligence based on test results.

But how about Emotional Intelligence? Do you know how you rate? Do you know what it is?

Simply put, emotional intelligence is:

Your ability to not only be aware of, understand and manage your emotions,
but to effectively recognize, understand and influence the emotions of others around you.

How strong your emotional intelligence is can be an extremely influential factor in your career success.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

-Maya Angelou

Do You React or Respond to Workplace Conflict?

When someone at work says something that pushes your buttons, how do you handle it?

Do you react instantly and automatically with negatively charged comments? Or do you take a few seconds – pause and breathe – or otherwise do whatever it takes to collect yourself – so that you can respond intentionally and more effectively?

That space, that pause, means all the difference.

In it comes self-awareness, where you check your own triggered emotions. You become aware of the emotions in the room. And when you do respond, rather than unconsciously react, you can respond with quiet confidence in ways that align with your core values and organizational goals. No drama. And you inspire others to do the same.

Sound too good to be true? It isn’t.

By developing your emotional intelligence, you can emerge as a standout leader.

I can teach you effective tools in my new virtual mini-course, Tools to Navigate Difficult Situations in the Workplace.

To register and learn more, visit: https://drkathyobear.com/nds-mini-course/

Emotional Intelligence: Vital in Leadership

The term emotional intelligence (EI) was coined by two psychologists and refers to the way a person views, processes and navigates emotional information authentically, in themselves and in others.

Research suggests that those with higher levels of EI work better together with others, can handle change more competently, and manage stress effectively.

Emotional intelligence is usually defined by 4 categories – you can see how mastering each of these categories is vital to workshop design & facilitation and other change agent roles.

1. Self-awareness: recognizing and understanding your own emotions and how they impact others; staying aware of your emotions as they happen.
2. Self-management: how you manage your emotions and use them to guide your behavior positively; your ability to intentionally navigate and use your emotions.
3. Social awareness: recognizing others’ emotions and their dynamics in a group; the ability to perceive what’s really happening around you.
4. Relationship management: your capacity to be aware of your own emotions and those of others around you to successfully navigate relationships; how you mentor and influence others; your ability to resolve conflict.

But now you’re wondering that if a person has technical skills and educational knowledge, isn’t that be enough to be an effective leader?

No way.

Moving from the Battlefield to the Sea of Calm

Successful leaders recognize their emotions. They manage them – and don’t let their feelings overtake them. They sense others’ emotions and effectively respond in situations. They don’t ignore triggering situations or let someone “get the best” of them.

When I’m asked to speak at an organization, oftentimes I hear stories from the same book, just a different page. Employees bluntly say:

• the organizational dynamics are like a battlefield
• they are unable to handle toxic supervisors or colleagues
• they are tired of being scolded and/or ignored by superiors

Can you relate?

The answers to dealing with toxic work situations can be found in my new engaging mini-course, Tools to Navigate Difficult Situations in the Workplace.

To register and learn more, visit: https://drkathyobear.com/nds-mini-course/

I’ll tell you what this course WON’T do.

• It won’t make you immune to what’s going on around you.
• It won’t teach you to stuff your emotions and “suck it up.”
• It won’t tell you to just “deal with it” or find a new job.

What will this course do?

It will teach you to face up to the reality of difficult work situations AND to DO SOMETHING about them. You’ll learn to develop the courage and capacity to successfully navigate the battlefield at work – resulting in stronger effectiveness, more productivity and greater inclusion in the workplace.

Phenomenal Leaders Bring Out the Best in Others

Most times, people don’t leave jobs. They leave because of toxic people at their jobs.

A successful leader listens to employees. They respect their staff.

Perhaps most importantly, they have empathy: the ability to recognize and share the feelings of another person. It’s more about awareness than it is about immediate action.

Many studies done by leadership firms rank empathy as a top skill for leaders. By sincerely trying to understand employees’ feelings, effective leaders communicate and work more productively with their staff.

If you’re finally fed up with the toxic environment in your organization, sign up now for my Tools to Navigate Difficult Situations in the Workplace mini-course. It’s been carefully designed to be flexible enough to fit right into your busy schedule, while providing you with all the tools you need to tame workplace drama for good.

To register and learn more, visit: https://drkathyobear.com/nds-mini-course/

Leadership is all about emotional intelligence. Management is taught, while leadership is experienced.

-Rajeev Suri