Listening

How is your self-management? In last week's message, I shared some thoughts on self-awareness as it relates to emotional intelligence. This week, I'm going to dive into another key attribute of emotional intelligence: self-management. You may recall emotional intelligent leaders have a keen understanding of their strengths and limitations, as well as the ability to positively influence the organization and its people. Self-management has many components. For example, as a leader, adaptability is not an option. We are faced with adversity daily, and the ability to face challenges head on with confidence and courage is critical. We must maintain a calm, cool and collected outlook. Time management is another factor. When I am working with a leader, one of the [...]

How is your self-awareness? The Institute for Health and Human Potential defines emotional intelligence, as the ability to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions, and recognize, understand and influence the emotions of others. That's a lot to digest. In simple terms: we need to be aware of the emotions that drive our behavior and impact people (positively and negatively), and learn how to manage those emotions, especially under pressure. The first step toward becoming an emotionally intelligent leader is understanding the components: Self-awareness Self-management Motivation Empathy Social skill For this week's topic, I want to start with self-awareness. I have found for many people (myself at the top of the list) we tend to be more comfortable pointing out [...]

What business are you in? This is the time of year that business plans for the new year are already formed, or at least are in process. Therefore, it may be a good reminder to ask yourself the question of, "What business am I in?" It shouldn't be a surprise to you that your answer has nothing to do with making a profit. Obviously you will be out of business if you don't. Profit is a result of when we answer the question correctly. Over the years I have wrestled with this question, but have discovered a simplistic answer. For me, "the purpose of business is to create a customer and to satisfy a human need." As you review your [...]

What motivates you? In Daniel Goleman's work he sights motivation as an important component of emotional intelligence (EQ). He defines motivation as "a passion for work that goes beyond money and status." My own experience, combined with working with other leaders has taught me that what gets the "juices flowing," and what puts "the fire in the belly" is critical. You get up every day and want to tackle the problems, win new business deals, help another person grow and develop, and serve your clients/customers -- that's your motivation. It is that simple. We are best positioned for success when we're passionate and motivated by what we are doing. So here is the question, "What motivates you?" Where will you [...]

Don't just act interested -- be interested. I love this quote by Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc, "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging over their neck saying make me feel important." As a leader with the responsibility of developing people, listening and being sincerely interested is a critical skill. I am not sure we can ever perfect it, however there is no substitute for practice, practice, practice. There is an old joke that says "you can't fake sincerity," well in my opinion you can't fake interest either, so save your energy and don't even try. The more you want to influence and get through to discerning your people, the more sincere your interest in them needs [...]