I have always loved working with teams. Identifying and overcoming the barriers of achieving top performance has been a consistent source of enjoyment and satisfaction for me.
I have found the key influencing factor that determines the quality of performance is the measure of our emotional intelligence, our ‘EI’.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage our emotions, and the emotions of others. The stronger our awareness of our own emotions and behaviours, and that of others, the more successful we will be in all areas of our lives. Many agree, myself included, that people with a high EI will be more successful, happy and fulfilled than people with only a high IQ.
The quality of all our relationships – partners, children, friends, colleagues and patients – will fall to the level of our EI.
The success with which we deal with challenges, disappointment, stress and problems will fall to the level of our EI.
The way in which we manage our own strengths and weaknesses will fall to the level of our EI.
Developing our EI is a vital part of the journey of life. Indeed it may be one of our life purposes.
In his book ‘What Makes a Leader’, Daniel Goleman details his model of EI.
- Self-awareness – the ability to know one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, drives, values and goals and recognise their impact on others while using intuition to guide decisions. It is understanding emotions, and mastering them so they do not rule one’s life.
- Self-regulation – the controlling or redirecting of one’s disruptive emotions and impulses and adapting to changing circumstances. People who master self-regulation do not let anger, jealousy and resentment direct their behaviour.
- Social skill – managing relationships to move people in a desired direction. Focusing not just on their achievements, but the achievements of others. Improving one’s social skills will develop better communication skills and dispute resolution techniques.
- Empathy – the consideration of other people’s feelings, especially when making decisions that affect them. Empathetic people do not judge harshly or alienate others.
- Motivation – being driven to succeed for the sake of achievement. Motivation brings about enthusiasm and a love for a challenge.
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
Lao-Tzu
Master your EI and master your life!
