In a 1994 report on the current state of emotional literacy in the U.S., author Daniel Goleman stated:
"...in navigating our lives, it is our fears and envies, our rages and depressions, our worries and anxieties that steer us day to day. Even the most academically brilliant among us are vulnerable to being undone by unruly emotions. The price we pay for emotional literacy is in failed marriages and troubled families, in stunted social and work lives, in deteriorating physical health and mental anguish and, as a society, in tragedies such as killings..."
That was over 12 years ago. I still see the same problems today in many of the organisations I consult to. People struggling to cope with the emotional pressures of today's workplace often resort to bitchiness, aggression, backstabbing, gossipping, complaining and other purely childish behaviours. And many in leadership positions are modeling these very behaviours! In short, organisations are tearing themselves apart from the inside out.
Time to Stop the Madness
Goleman says that the best remedy for battling our emotional shortcomings is prevention. In other words, we need to place as much importance on teaching our children the essential skills of Emotional Intelligence as we do on more traditional measures like IQ and school exams. And while were at it, why not teach each other these vital life skills? It's never too late to improve your own emotional intelligence.
What is Emotional Intelligence (commonly known as EQ)?
The term includes these five characteristics and abilities:
1. Self-awareness--knowing your emotions, recognizing feelings as they occur, and discriminating between them
2. Mood management--handling feelings so they're relevant to the current situation and you react appropriately
3. Self-motivation--"gathering up" your feelings and directing yourself towards a goal, despite self doubt, inertia, and impulsiveness
4. Empathy--recognizing feelings in others and accurately recognising and tuning into their verbal and nonverbal cues
5. Managing relationships--handling interpersonal interaction, conflict resolution, and negotiations
Why Do We Need Emotional Intelligence?
Research in brain-based learning suggests that emotional health is fundamental to effective learning. According to a report from the National Centre for Clinical Infant Programs, the most critical element for a student's success in school is an understanding of how to learn. (Emotional Intelligence, p. 193.) The key ingredients for this understanding are:
• Confidence
• Curiosity
• Intentionality
• Self-control
• Relatedness
• Capacity to communicate
• Ability to cooperate
These traits are all aspects of Emotional Intelligence. Basically, a student who learns to learn is much more apt to succeed. Emotional Intelligence has proven a better predictor of future success than traditional methods like the GPA, IQ, and standardized test scores.
The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence
Building Emotional Intelligence has a lifelong impact. Many parents and educators, alarmed by increasing levels of conflict in young children - from low self-esteem to early drug and alcohol use to depression, are rushing to teach students the skills necessary for Emotional Intelligence. And in corporations, the inclusion of Emotional Intelligence in training programs has helped employees cooperate better and motivate themselves and each other more, thereby increasing productivity and profits.
"Emotional Intelligence is a master aptitude, a capacity that profoundly affects all other abilities, either facilitating or interfering with them."--Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence, p. 80.
Want to Know More?
If you would like to find out more about conducting Emotional Intelligence (EQ) workshops in your workplace please contact Jo. I run a variety of training programs using the principles of EQ and applying them to organisational situations ranging from teamwork, to customer service, to leadership.
Jo Gibney is seminar leader, group facilitator, professional speaker, writer and HR Consultant. Her commitment to adult learning is a life long passion, and much of Jo’s work focuses on developing not just work skills but also personal competencies and strengths. Check out Jo's websites at www.organisenow.com and www.dragonslayers.com.au |
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